Riga residents and guests are all invited to partake in Riga festivities from August 17 to August 19. Nearly 60 different events are planned to take place in the old city quarter, the city centre, Bastion Hill, Verman Garden, Dome Garden, Ziedon Garden, Strazdmuiza Park, Pargaugava, Mezapark, Spilve aerodrome, November 11 waterfront and other notable landmarks.

Music, art, theatrical and dance performances will take place on the city streets, squares, near churches, at museums and culture centres. Sports activities are also planned. Visitors will be able to learn about ancient craftsmanship and purchase different products at the Hanseatic market, Riga City Council reports.

This year’s festivities are dedicated to the 730th anniversary of Riga’s membership in the Hanseatic League. As years went by, the only thing that did not change was the cultural and historic significance of the Hanseatic League for the city’s development. On August 18 and 19, the Town Square will house representative Hanseatic League tents from Vlamiera, Koknese, Straupe, Limbazi, Rostoka, Tallinn, Kauna and Veliky Novgorod. The square near St. Peter’s Church will have authentic Middle Ages market. Esplanade, on Garsas meistaru Street will house a market with healthy food.

On Saturday, August 18, Alberta Street visitors will be able to see how it feels to end up in the atmosphere of the beginning of the 20th century, watch as colourful characters of Art Nouveau perform theatrical plays and musical numbers.

Also, August 18 will also cheer people with a traditional retro car festival Riga Retro 2012.

Everyone will be able to find Skarnu Street on August 19. The smell of freshly baked bread will bring people there. Visitors will be able to taste and buy all kinds of fresh bread and bakery products.

Nearly 300 participants have already signed up for the «Street Music Day». Musicians will give performances at the Swedish Gates, on Audeju, Valnu, Kalku, Torna, Tirgonu and Skarnu Streets, at Berga Market, Kalnciema Quarter. The closing concert will take place at the Bastion Hills.

On Sunday, at the November 11 Waterfront, Riga Festivities participants will be entertained for the entire day by the Riga’s games and jubilance along with the «Riga Freestyle Aerobatic Master Cup», radio controlled model and kite show, balloon show, knightly duels, and other entertainment events.

The evening of the same day will have the culmination of the festivities. At 21:30 Riga visitors are welcome to attend the «Riga my white Riga» concert, which will conclude with a fiery fireworks show. This event will unite 800 different performers, so don’t miss it.

Riga Festivities are not devoid of sports activities mind you. On August 18, Victory Park will house the «Game of Skate» contest. Bicycle contest will also take place as well as skating contests and more.

On August 17 and 18, Bikernieku highway will have the biggest highway races in the Baltics – «Riga Summer Race 2012». Not only will visitors watch the fastest pilots, but also the leading Latvian drifters that will entertain the crowd with the most impressive stunts they are allowed to perform.

The famous Russian band Mumiy Troll will perform in Arena Riga, accompanied by Run Run Run band from USA and Losers from the UK on August 19.

One other thing, public transport will carry passengers free of charge on August 18 and 19.

Ref: 102.109.109.3062