Latvian open-air museum marks Martinmas with masks and folk events

Latvia’s Ethnographic Open-Air Museum is celebrating Martinmas on Saturday, November 7, with a masked procession, folk performances and workshops, LSM reports.

Martinmas traditionally marks the end of autumn fieldwork and the start of winter. By then, fields had to be ploughed, herding ended, livestock was slaughtered for winter stores and grain put away.

The holiday is associated with masked groups visiting homes, meeting householders, telling riddles and taking part in games and dances. Museum visitors are invited to come in costume, and masks can also be made at the museum.

A procession with the Līvāni folklore group Ceiruleits is scheduled for 2 pm. The group Stiprās sievas and the Ādaži Ethno Ensemble will perform at the Courland farmer’s farmstead at 1.30 pm. A wax candle-making workshop will run from 11 am to 3 pm by the Nida smokehouse.

The celebrations will conclude at the Vidzeme farmer’s farmstead at 2.30 pm with Ceiruleits. Martinmas rooster soup, cakes and flatbreads will be served near Pūnīte from 11 am to 3 pm. A Martinmas market will also take place, and the museum blacksmith will be at work.