For Latvians, June is an important month. It is a time when nature blooms and, in almost every corner of the country, you will find a smaller or bigger celebration marking the summer solstice.

One day of traditional and modern crafts, homemade food, craft beer, a local farmers’ and home-producers’ market, fun attractions and workshops for the whole family. Traditional Latvian folk and contemporary ethno music from Latvia and abroad.

This year, the festival’s theme is the powerful element – IRON, which will be showcased by blacksmiths, forgers and metalworkers. Through various interesting workshops, we will demonstrate the historical and contemporary use of iron in everyday life.

The evening stage will have an exciting local and international programme. The headliners will be Latvian pagan-metal band SKYFORGER with special guest and a specially prepared folk programme, and Ukrainian freak-cabaret group DAKH DAUGHTERS with a powerful audio-visual performance. Rahu the Fool and Kaktu Balles Muzikanti from Latvia will make you dance and the NuFolk Orchestra with musicians from six countries will stop here on their European tour of several festivals.

When darkness sets in, a three-dimensional fire sculpture will be lit, developed and built by Valencian artist Jordi NN in co-operation with Estonian sound artist Silver Sepp.

The music in this festival is based on folklore and traditions that have passed the test of time and still sound authentic and enjoyable nowadays.

 

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES | free entrance

“Gardu muti” market (local farmers and home-producers, crafts), workshops, food and drinks | 11.00 – 16.00

Workshops “We churn and forge!” | 11.00 – 16.00

Folk musicians | 11.00 – 13.00

Folk dance concert | 13.00 – 14.00

EVENING ACTIVITIES | from 18.00 | entrance fee 10 – 15 EUR

18.00 Silver Sepp (Estonia)

19.00 Rahu the Fool (Latvia)

20.00 NuFolk Orchestra (six different European countries)

21.00 Skyforger – folk programme (Latvia)

22.15 Fire sculpture (Jordi NN and Silver Sepp)

23.00 Dakh Daughters (Ukraine)

24.00 – 3.00 Kaktu Balles Muzikanti (Latvia) – folk dances

www.etnosviests.lv