Riga marks 825th birthday with music, sport and street art

Riga is celebrating its 825th birthday with concerts, creative workshops, sports events and street performances across the city, LSM reports.

Saturday’s programme includes circus performances, an artisans’ market, a festival restaurant, basketball, a motorsport show, street art and mime performances. Events are taking place in Vermanes Garden, Victory Park, the square outside Riga Congress Hall, Eksporta Street, Esplanade, the Opera Square, Old Riga and the November 11 Embankment.

The main celebrations at the November 11 Embankment have drawn visitors since midday. Children and adults have been making Riga-themed keys and small church bells in creative workshops, while also trying poetry readings at a microphone.

Old Riga becomes an open-air stage

Old Riga has been transformed into an open-air stage, bringing street art traditions to the city’s birthday celebrations. Jazz, classical music and percussion are being performed in its historic squares and narrow streets.

The programme also includes mime and movement theatre performances. Visitors include Riga residents, people from other municipalities and members of the diaspora from various countries, who have shared their impressions and birthday greetings.

People interviewed by Latvian Radio in Old Riga described the celebrations as very beautiful and inspiring, praising the atmosphere, music and number of activities.