2022 | Senā Klēts

A scarf for Latvia

The goal of the project is to create a scarf over the course of one year, which would reflect all the skills of Latvian knitters in its own unique way. At the beginning and end of the scarf, a fragment of Lielvārde's belt will be woven - as a source of wisdom and strength for the eternal continuation of Latvian craft skills. The further knitting style will be formed from the vision of each individual knitter. The scarf will combine the techniques of colors and patterns selected by skilled hands, modern knitting, and also the clumsy and childish nature of first stitches.

160 stitches are used for the width of the scarf. The thickness of the knitting is 300 to 500 m per 100 grams of thick yarn. Every knitter uses their own yarn. The knitting goes together with circular 4.5 mm knitting needles. A leather album made in Latvia also travels together with the knitting, in which the knitters can record their participaton date, as well as write a wish for Latvia or encourage future knitters.

After the end of the knitting, in November 2022, the knitting will be put on display in the National Library of Latvia. Līga Rušiņa, head of the "Šalle Latvijai" foundation and author of the idea, says that with this project we can show how diverse we are, but united at the same time. "If someone tells me that a Latvian is gray, then this is proof that it is not." The idea to create such a project came suddenly, realizing that the time of the pandemic has greatly damaged the traditions of getting together and knitting. This is a way to feel togetherness.

Put on your national cosume in honour of Latvia!

Celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Latvia, "Ritums" in cooperation with SENĀ KLĒTS and the association "Mans tautastērps" invites you to put on your traditional Latvian costume in honor of Latvia and on May 4 participate in the traditional costume parade, put flowers at the Freedom Monument, and attend a concert in Rātslaukums!

The gathering for the march will take place in Rātslaukums starting at 12:30 p.m. "Kokle", a youth folklore ensemble, will get participants ready for the march. During the opening ceremony at 13:00 the mayor of Riga, Mārtiņš Staķis, will give a speech to the residents and guests of the city. From Rātslaukums along Kalķu Street, the participants will march to Brīvības Laukums and put their flowers on the Freedom Monument. Starting from 15.00, everyone will sing and dance together with the folklore group "Ilgi", Katrīna Dimanta, the folklore group "Rikši" and the folklore group "Riga folk dance club". The event will be hosted by Ēriks Zeps and Katrīna Dimanta, directed by Mārtiņš Kagainis.

We also invite those who are far away to participate in this march by dressing up in their national costume and publishing a photo with the hashtag #tautastērpugajiens2022 on social media!

The event is supported by Riga municipality, and it is part of the project dedicated to the anniversary of the Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Latvia. The holiday program can be viewed on the website www.kultura.riga.lv.