Zemgales Storytelling Festival

The first Zemgales Storytelling festival in Latvia was organized within the framework of the Grundtvig Project „Grand-treasures” and was both local activity and fourth partner meeting in Latvia.

Who?
In total Storytelling festival brought together around 50 storytellers from different regions of Latvia and abroad as well as wide range of listeners. Participants were participants of 18 libraries of the UNESCO LNC network „Storytelling libraries”, local Storytellers and folk groups, storytelling experts from Latvia, representatives of local community and partners of Grundtvig project “Grand-treasures” from Galicia, Portugal and Estonia.

When? 

From 28 to 30 September, 2012

Where?

The first Zemgales Storytelling festival in Latvia took place in Pilsrundale, Rundale Local Municipality, Latvia.

What?

Festival was organized by Latvian National Commission for UNESCO, Rundale Local Municipality, Pilsrundales library and support from the EU lifelong learning program Grundtvig. Storytelling festival was organized in order to bring together storytellers from Latvia, especially from Zemgale region, and other countries. One of the objective of this festival was to integrate local community and promote oral traditions as an important part of the intangible cultural heritage. Storytelling festival lasted for three days and it was organized with a specific focus on Saint Michael day, which is celebrated in Latvia in 29th of September. There was organized a specific Michaelmas fair where participants were involved into traditional songs and play dances. 

More about the festival: https://www.stastubibliotekas.com/grand-treasures/the-first-zemgales-storytelling-festival-in-latvia/