HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL
The Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival is the largest song and dance tradition for children and young people in Latvia. At the core of this tradition is the youngest generation’s drive to express themselves artistically in multiple ways. It began in Riga on the 23rd June, 1960, when the first Festival was held. The foundations were laid for this new song festival tradition earlier, when children’s performances became a significant part of the nationwide celebrations in 1948, 1950 and 1955. As the quality and number of school choirs and dance groups increased, a festival just for them was established. There have so far been 12 School Youth Song and Dance Festivals.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Aivars Liepiņš from 1989
