This October, the annual Nordic Days will take place in Kuldīga, offering a variety of public events – art exhibitions, Nordic cinema, educational seminars and a concert by Finnish musician Päivi Hirvonen as a highlight on October 7.
The culmination of Nordic Days is traditionally considered the day when the Nordic ambassadors, the Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia and representatives of the Danish Cultural Institute visit the city, meet with the mayor and with youngsters at a local school, open exhibitions and attend a concert by Nordic musicians. This year the day will be October 7, although various Nordic-related events will take place throughout the month.
Exhibitions will be displayed at different venues around the city. The official Nordic delegation will also take part in the opening of the comic exhibition “Myth Busters” on October 7 at 14:45 at Kuldīga Technology and Tourism Technical School. The Swedish Embassy invites every friend of Pippi Longstocking to celebrate her birthday at Kuldīga Library on October 8 at 10:00. The event will open an exhibition dedicated to Pippi, which will remain on view until the end of the month.
Film lovers are invited to two free screenings at Kuldīga Cultural Centre:
- October 10 at 17:30 – the Norwegian film “Let the River Flow”
- October 11 at 15:00 – the Swedish film “Becoming Astrid” (Astrid Lindgren’s youth)
Nordic Days will also feature educational public lectures for both adults and young people. On October 7 – lectures on sustainable heritage and the maintenance and adaptation of buildings for modern needs; on October 8 – lectures on nature and communities for a sustainable lifestyle. Lecturers – experienced experts from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. On October 7 at 15:00, the Danish Cultural Institute invites youngsters to the lecture “CIVIC AF” about discovering youth potential through creativity and community.
As noted, the musical highlight this year is a concert by Finnish musician Päivi Hirvonen, organised by the Embassy of Finland, on October 7 at 19:00 at Kuldīga Cultural Centre. Päivi Hirvonen is a Finnish singer and violinist who has received wide international acclaim for her ability to create a distinctive, hypnotic, archaic sound. Her performances are unique, combining fiddle playing and singing simultaneously and enriching her compositions with deep emotional textures and storytelling. She will be joined on stage by her band.
All Nordic Days events are free of charge. However, due to limited seating, advance registration is required for free invitations. Concert tickets are available through Biļešu Paradīze, and film reservations can be made by calling 63322201 or 29542242.
Nordic Days are organised to promote the Nordic countries and their culture, foster mutual contacts and strengthen regional cooperation between municipalities, entrepreneurs, cultural institutions and non-governmental organisations. Each year they are held in a different city. Last year – in Daugavpils.
