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Latvia: Home to UNESCO's 2023 Song and Dance Festival with Dr. Nina Wieda

Latvia: Home to UNESCO's 2023 Song and Dance Festival with Dr. Nina Wieda


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

This summer, people from all over the world will travel to Latvia to participate in its Song and Dance Festival - one of the largest amateur festivals in the world that happens once every 5 years and features over 40,000 performers.  UNESCO recognizes the festival as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Learn the story behind this monumental event and the country that hosts it. 

Latvia's fascinating history involves Vikings, Teutonic Knights, some of the last pagans in Europe, and a mighty crusader state that dominated Europe's political life for centuries. Latvia's medieval capital Riga is an architectural jewel and a time capsule revealing stories from its founding in 1201 and until today.
 
Led by an expert on Latvia and the Baltics, Nina Wieda, this interactive seminar will introduce you to the fascinating world of Latvia and the story behind its famous festival. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a deep knowledge of Latvia and a desire to experience this historic country first-hand.

Nina Wieda is a native of the Caucasus living in Chicago, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Slavic from Northwestern University and an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University. Nina also has experience in journalism, advertising, and consumer research – her writing has been published in three languages. She wrote her Master's thesis about the Northern Caucasus region. Dr. Wieda currently teaches at Northwestern University near Chicago.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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M
Muriel Dimock (Lakeville, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Latvia

Once again Niona has peaked my interest in a country that I may not go to see. But - she told me about its history and customs and I love her conversations!

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
100%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
Muriel Dimock (Lakeville, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Latvia

Once again Niona has peaked my interest in a country that I may not go to see. But - she told me about its history and customs and I love her conversations!