Spring Comes with Oriental Moods in Lielvārde.
On March 31st, 2012, in Lielvārde, for the first time in Latvia Persian vernal equinox celebration Nowrooz will take place.
Everybody is welcome to become acquainted with the traditions of Latvia’s minority ethnic groups of Mid-Eastern origin in the common celebration of the Persian New Year Nowrooz.
Nowrooz is one of the most ancient vernal equinox celebrations in the world originated in the ancient Persia since 555.-330.B.C. Literally “Nowrooz” means “New day” in Persian. This festival is held during vernal equinox, when the day and night is of equal length. It marks the coming of the New Year and spring. Alongside, the victory of light over darkness is honored.
Nowrooz is celebrated by Tatars, Bashkirians, Turks, Iranians, Caucasian peoples, Albanians, Afghanis and many other Mid-Eastern peoples.
Nowrooz celebration traditions differ from country to country. However, such traditions as house-cleaning, visits to friends and relatives and ritual feast followed by games and dancing are common to all nations. In many regions, great importance is paid to horse-racing and wrestling contests.
Surprisingly, Nowrooz has a lot in common with Easter, since it marks the beginning of spring works and dyed eggs symbolizing the Sun are served on the table.
For the first time in Latvia, Nowrooz will be celebrated in Lielvārde with a vast festival programme participating Tatar-Bashkirian, Georgian, Uzbek and many other folk bands, as well as belly dancers and Tai-Chi masters.
OPEN AIR PROGRAMME
Free entrance
The festival will start with an open-air programme in the park adjacent to the culture centre of Lielvārde (address: Lielvārde, Parka street 3) from 12.00 p.m. to 13.00 p.m..
There will be the parade of the folk bands, traditional games, dance and song performances offered by Tatar, Uzbek, Georgian an many other folk bands. There will also be a craft-fair where everybody will have an opportunity to buy souveniers and gifts. Guests will be able to take a photo in a photo atelier.
SPRING DANCE MARATHON
For spectators: Free entrance
Participation fee for dance groups: 1Ls per person.
Everybody is invited to celebrate the comming of the spring with dances and songs performed by various Oriental dance groups from the Baltic States. Dane groups are welcome to apply for the dance marathon. You can read more information about participation in the marathon in section "Information for participants".
The Spring dance marathon will be held in the small Hall of the culture centre of Lielvārde (address: Lielvārde, Parka street 3) from 15.00 to 17.00.
EVENING GALA SHOW "Oriental TENT"
In the evening, at 18.00 p.m., a spectacular gala show “Oriental Tent” will be held in the culture centre of Lielvārde (address: Lielvārde, Parka street 3).
The guests will be welcome to rest on the carpets, enjoy tea and Oriental delights while watching show starring Uzbek, Tatar-Bashkirian, Georgian folk bands, bellydancers and Thai-Chi masters of the Baltic States.
WORKSHOPS:
All day long, guests can take active part in getting acquainted with various folklore traditions by participating in dance workshops which will be equally interesting to both, professional dancers and unexperienced participants. The workshops will be held in the culture centre of Lielvārde from 13.00 p.m. to 17.00p.m..
For more information read section "Workshops"
If you have any questions, please contact the festival administration: e-mail: ugunspulss@inbox.lv, phone: +371 27186547
