Galleries
Meet your Master! 2018
‘Meet your Master! 2018’ was a chance to meet Latvian craftsmen and learn more about their knowledge and skills. On these days visitors were invited to find out how to make wooden spoons, candles, clay whistles, how to knit and weave, how to play old field games and bake a traditional Latvian bread in an ancient oven. Photo by Reinis Oliņš, courtesy of Latvian National Centre for Culture.
Easter
Easter at the museum represented the intertwining of folklore, modern and Christian traditions, staring the day with a service in Usma church and continuing with dying eggs and swinging on swings. This day was full of songs, games, customs and "driving away of birds" under the guidance of folklore groups. At the “Priedes Pub” gourmets were delighted by the variety of traditional dishes, but those interested in local crafts were able to visit craftsman fair.
THE GREAT DAY / SPRING EQUINOX
Traditionally this day was the celebration of spring equinox – a time when the Sun has climbed celestial mountain so high that daytime and night-time are equal length. On The Great Day there were several essential customs that are loved and demanded by everyone - egg dyeing and swinging on swings. On this day everyone was also be able to play many ritual outdoor games and sing together with folk music group "Skandinieki".
Celebration of Shrovetide (Metenis)
Metenis is the herald of spring and beginning of a new year, as well as the most cheerful holiday of the year and the most popular time for mummeries. On this day museum was filled with masks, dancing and playing together with folk groups, everyone will be offered a chance to visit candle maker's and blacksmith's workshops, go horseback riding and try delicious Metenis' treats.
LIGHT REFLECTIONS IN WINTER TWILIGHT HOURS
In the middle of winter, Museum is turned into a fairyland of ancient farmsteads with lights glimmering in the small windows of farmhouses, inviting to imagine how life was celebrated by our ancestors.
The Winter Solstice or Yule Log Eve
The Winter Solstice or Yule Log Eve is celebrated on the shortest day and the longest night of the year. As in old times, to ward off the darkness, cold, last year's mishaps, bad work and thoughts, people roll the Yule Log from one farm to another and eventually burn it. Burning of the Yule Log symbolizes the beginning of a new solar year and the Sun itself. At the museum it is time for masking, creative workshops, dancing and singing together with folk bands and, of course, rolling and burning the log. Photo: Robyn Von Swank
The Martin's Day 2017
Masking and mask parade, dancing and singing together with folk groups, creative and useful workshops, exhibition of roosters, craftsmen, horseback riding, games of old and delicious Martin's Day treats from "Mārtiņa Beķereja".
The Eve of the Dead Souls
"The Eve of the Dead Souls" at Hernhuter’s house is a tradition on this Eve and was celebrated by singing in honor of our ancestors together with folk group "Grodi", “Garataka” and “Mālis” while hosts of "Priedes krogs" prepared a special porridge for the spirits.
The Autumn Harvest Festival 2017
Seasonal goods from Latvia, works by local craftsmen, various activities for gourmets, workshops and game playing for little ones, a concert within The Katlakalns IV International Folklore Festival RUDENĀJI - 2017 and of course - the pumpkin soup.
The Crafts Day. The Day of Games and Pastimes
"The Crafts Day. The Day of Games and Pastimes" on September 3 gathered craftsmen from the entire Latvia and introduced visitors to local sheep breeding and pig farming traditions. Children were invited to take part in exciting games and to play outside together with folklore groups.