Riga Song Festival

[July 3]

This was the last night of the song festival, ending with a huge performance in the Forest Park. All week, we had seen school children around town, singing and dancing in scheduled events. So we decided that we would have to see the one big event and bought some great front section tickets.

15,000 children were arranged in the stands and the music was amazing. I took a lot of video clips because these pictures don't do it justice. The children all had different color handkerchiefs that they raised in sections to make designs in the crowd, like the Latvian flag or a smiley face. It was really well done.



We had such great seats that we were only feet away from the President of Latvia, Vaira Vike-Freiburga, when she arrived to speak.



They sang about two dozen songs and even did an impromptu encore. After that, they wouldn't stop singing and just wanted to continue, even though it was nearly midnight.



A tired Aaron came with us and it was our last group even before Dean's parents arrived. Next time we would like to be around for the adult song festival, held on different years.