In preparation for the Miķeļdiena celebration, Riga residents and guests are invited to Dome Square on September 28 for the traditional autumn harvest festival fair, and on September 29, you can honour Miķeļdiena traditions with a range of creative and spectacular events in Mežaparks and Imanta.
The Miķeļdiena Fair
The traditional Miķeļdiena Fair will be held on September 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Dome Square. Everyone will have the chance to enjoy the rich bounty of the autumn harvest, the creations of applied art masters, and a diverse cultural programme.
Shopping will be enhanced by a magnificent stage programme featuring performances by the brass band “Fanfara”, the children’s dance group “Teiksmiņa”, the children’s vocal ensemble “Magonīte”, the children’s dance ensemble “Dzīpariņš”, the youth dance group “Dzīpars”, the orchestra “Rīga”, the mixed choir “Lindås”, the children’s folk dance ensemble “Dzirkstelīte”, the middle-generation dance group “Oglīte”, the senior dance group “Oglīte”, the folk dance ensemble “Teiksma”, the middle-generation dance group “Teiksma”, the middle-generation dance group “DeTeiksma”, the mixed choir “Laudate”, the folk dance ensemble “Liesma”, and the post-folk group “Rikši”.
The event will be hosted by actors Anna Klēvere and Egils Melbārdis, who will create a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day.
Miķelis and Jumis invite you to Imanta
On the other hand, on September 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the courtyard of the Cultural Centre “Imanta” at Anniņmuižas Boulevard 29, folklore experts will present the traditions of Miķeļdiena. The folk
group “Banga” and the traditional music group “Dārdaru muzikanti” will bring the event to life with their songs and dances.
Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to participate in creative workshops, play games, and enjoy various activities, as well as explore a fruit and vegetable exhibition and competition. The Miķeļdiena Fair will delight shoppers throughout the entire day.
“Great honours this autumn” in Mežaparks
Meanwhile, on September 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Miķeļdiena event “Great Honours This Autumn” will take place in the Kokari Hall, Pavilion, and outdoor area of Mežaparks' Great Bandstand. Creative workshops, games, sports activities, and an autumn food market featuring local producers will await both young and old at the event.
On the outdoor stage, the brass band “Fanfara” and the group “The Market Band” will provide musical enjoyment, while the Kokari Hall will host an entertaining drawing class for children led by Varis Klausītājs, titled “Drawing Theater”, and the evening will conclude with a septet concert by “Mirage Jazz” on the outdoor stage.
Miķeļdiena celebration together with women’s folklore ensemble “Vilcenes”
On September 29 at 12:00 p.m., Miķeļdiena will be celebrated in the garden of the Culture and Folk Art Centre “Small Guild” with the folklore ensemble “Vilcenes”.
During the Harvest Festival, attendees will sing folk songs, play games, learn about and recall Miķeļdiena beliefs, customs, and traditions, and enjoy the fruits of the harvest.
Information was prepared by: Aira Ancāne, project coordinator, Department of External Communication of the Riga City Council, email: aira.ancane@riga.lv
