Spouses of NATO leaders in Riga to take part in Latvian traditions

 Photo by Baiba Orbidāne

17.11.2006.

A cultural program has been planned for the spouses of NATO leaders to introduce them first-hand to Latvia and its strong culture with special traditions.  The spouses of the NATO Leaders will be hosted in the famous and popular Old Town of Riga by Dr. Freiberg, the husband of the President of Latvia.

The guests will learn Latvian traditions that are festive as well as still part of the daily routine. They will see craft artists working with clay, wood, metal, amber, linen, leather and wicker. A blacksmith will offer them the chance to mint a coin at his hearth. They will be served the special hot black-currant juice of Latvia and make their own wax candles.

They will also contribute in a special demonstration of the treasured tradition in Latvia of assembling the puzurs, a hanging Christmas decoration covered with ornaments handcrafted from straw. Assembling the puzurs is a family event occurring throughout Latvia at this time of year because the NATO Summit happens just before the first Sunday of Advent, the official start of the Christmas season in Latvia

Designers, weavers and artists in jewelry and fashion will show the guests Latvian dress over the centuries as well as the very modern designs in silver, amber, linen and silk for which Latvia is becoming known.

In the second part of the program, the guests will visit a Christmas market in a square in Old Town, view an exhibit of local art, and be welcomed with some of the best of the fabled music of Latvia, serenaded by the a capella group Cosmos and by the internationally recognized Riga Dome Boys Choir.