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Riga may not be able to boast the cultural diversity of some of the world's major metropolises but nonetheless sophists, literati and culture cats will certainly find plenty to assuage their finer sensibilities in the Latvian capital. Admirers of architecture in particular can look forward to endless strolls in Riga, not just in the Old Town (Vecriga), where gothic churches and medieval townhouses litter the skyline, but further out too...
The Central District of Riga (Centra Rajons) is a shrine to Art Nouveau and you'll find plenty of examples of exotic frescos and other characteristics of the genre on Alberta, Strelnieku and Elizabetes Street. Not for nothing is Riga considered in the same breath as St. Petersburg, Vienna and Barcelona as a showpiece of this style; and of great interest too is the National Romanticism movement which followed. Developed by Latvian architects, this new style promoted Latvian identity by employing aspects of national ethnography and often incorporated natural products such as granite and wood in its designs.
Also synonymous with the words Riga and culture is the highly-esteemed Latvian National Opera. The first operas were staged in Riga back in the 18th century (although the first performance in Latvian didn't take place until 1883) and today the National Opera Company is one of the prides of the city, enjoying great prestige worldwide. Needless to say the Riga Opera Festival, which takes place every June, is the highlight of the year for lovers of the performance arts. The stunning Riga Opera House is also the venue for classic and modern ballet perfomances by the Latvian National Ballet.
But it's not just to see the fat lady singing that Riga's residents put on their best frocks. Latvians are also ardent theatre goers; plus frequent classical music concerts, in the Wagner Hall or one of the city's historic churches, rarely fail to attract a crowd. With several excellent museums, such as the Museum of Occupations, National Art Museum and the "Arsenals" Art Museum (Torna iela 1), and a lively contemporary culture centred around the city's fine bars and cafes, Riga has certainly got a lot to offer the discerning tourist.
Finally, 2008 will see the Latvian National Song Festival return to the capital. The event traditionally takes place at Mezaparks, to the East of the city, and is greeted with religious fervour by the Latvians. Held once every five years, it is a celebration of the Latvian national identity - an identity which at times looked endangered by foreign oppression but which has survived against all the odds. | |
Above: We'll all be wearing it in 2020
Below: A smeghead in Riga? 
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