Labour Day and Museum Night in Sarkandaugava

Did you know that on the grounds of the Riga Centre for Narcology and Psychiatry there is a square-shaped pond and a sculpture called "The Shattered Soul"? Did you suspect that a "Rīga" washing machine - once the sole helper for our mothers in doing the laundry - is on display in a place of honour at the RER Museum? Can you imagine that Aldaris will soon be not just a brewery, but a place to enjoy beer and good live music?

Labour Day this year was something new, something that brought Sarkandaugava back to life and attracted guests from further afield. The celebrations began at 11:00 with activity at the start of Tvaika Street along the bank of the stream, which, thanks to the efforts of local activists, is now quite tidy and suitable for hosting events. There were creative workshops, a concert, environmental project presentations, plant planting in the phytoremediation garden, and bench-making from wooden pallets.

On this day, within the framework of both the neighbourhood celebrations and Museum Night, the majority of Sarkandaugava businesses and institutions opened their doors to welcome guests, dispel possible stereotypes, and draw closer to the community. While the hospitality of the Aldaris brewery and the Dauderi Museum was already a familiar affair, the participation of the Riga Centre for Narcology and Psychiatry and the RER Museum attracted genuine interest. A local library and fire station had also opened their doors to visitors, and in the former cinema "Aurora" - which has not been functioning for more than ten years - films were shown again that night.

I am probably repeating myself for the umpteenth time, but I am very glad and satisfied with the neighbourhood's revival, and with the creative spirit and the people eager to make things happen who live there.

About Labour Day one can read more on the Sarkandaugava Development Society website: http://www.sarkandaugavai.lv/2014/05/notiks-pirmais-radosas-apkaimes-festivals-sarkandaugavas-stradnieku-svetki/