The exhibition tells of a decade characterised by the triumphant march of flower children i.e. hippies, whose core values were freedom, love, open sexuality, and naturalness. Unisex, denim, cotton printed with floral and ethnic patterns, woven and knitted pieces, and a rejection of precious metals in jewellery and accessories dominated the clothing. Impressive cork platform shoes and large sunglasses in colourful and decorative plastic frames in the dragonfly style.
Church Night, taking place this year for the first time and so far only in Riga, unfolded much like Museum Night, with houses of worship of various denominations opening their doors to visitors on the evening of 6 June from 18:00 to 24:00. Where to begin? We start with the nearest neighbourhood and the congregations within it. Sarkandaugava has three houses of worship - Lutheran, Catholic, and Orthodox (the last was closed to visitors that night).
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?
Today, 1 May at 15:00, several environmental design and improvement features were unveiled in Alekša Square in Sarkandaugava. The square is now dressed in red and features board game areas, a ping-pong table, bicycle parking, benches, and an outdoor exercise area. A place for walks, relaxation, and sporting activities.
This year White Night in Sarkandaugava was more active than ever before. Neither interested visitors nor volunteers were in short supply. But the greatest satisfaction for the Sarkandaugava residents themselves was that the district had become a gathering place for creative and active people who care about the environment they live in and who wish to foster joy in life and a sense of responsibility in those around them.
The previous decades and their fashion were far enough from the present for one to simply marvel at the exhibited garments, photograph them, and share countless pictures for others to marvel at in turn. But this time the view of the exhibition was far more critical.
Some foolish people thought that their remark "they're not even alive" would somehow wound the penguins' self-pride and they would start moving. Not a chance - that trick only works on people, who immediately rush to defend their Ego and instantly prove they are alive. On closer observation, meanwhile, each penguin (much like a person) has its own temperament, character, and behavioural traits.
At the restaurant-pizzeria Zaļais Maksis today, all were warmly welcome who had something stuck at home - something one is fond of but can no longer find a real use for. Both flea market traders and simple Saturday afternoon enjoyers found here an excellent place for trading, relaxation, conversation in a relaxed atmosphere, music, and food.
Now, looking back through the photographs of inspired faces and the vigour of songs and dances, this elevated mood involuntarily sticks - and one hopes it will remain in everyone, both participants and spectators, for the next five years, until the next grand festival of national communal singing and dancing.
At the concert, alongside the traditional folk song arrangements and the beloved composed songs such as "Sun. Thunder. Daugava.", "Castle of Light", and others, there were also more contemporary rhythms accompanied by various percussion instruments. By downloading the "Dziesmu svētki 2013" app for Android smartphones, one could sing along, as the lyrics of all the festival songs can be found there in alphabetical order.
