The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is an important event in Latvian culture and social life. The All-Latvian Song and Dance Festival has been held since 1873, normally every five years. During the festivals exhibitions of photography, art and folk craft, orchestra concerts, and a festive parade also take place. Events and competitions leading up to the event occur throughout the period between festivals.
Approximately 30,000 performers altogether participate in the event. [1] Although usually folksongs and classical choir songs are sung, with emphasis on a cappella singing, recently modern popular songs have been incorporated into the repertoire.
The 24th Festival was held in July 2008. The main events were held in the Grand Stage of Mežaparks and in the Daugava Stadium in Riga. The next edition will take place in 2013.
After the Soviet invasion and annexation of Latvia, festivals continuing in the Latvian SSR, now celebrating the Soviet family. The festival tradition was continued in exile, first in Displaced Person camps after World War II, primarily in the western zones in Germany, then in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The Song and Dance Festival abroad is currently held every four years, alternating between the United States and Canada.
Since 1960 a distinct Latvian Youth Song and Dance Festival is held in an alternate five year cycle, on a matching scale. The last event took place in July 2010.[2] It will be followed by the 2015 one.