Ethnographic Ensemble “Rikava” Performs “Sastdiņš vokors” in Nagļi
On June 28, St. Peter's Day, the ethnographic ensemble “Rikava” presented the program “Sastdiņš vokors” at the fisherman's homestead “Zvejnieki” in Nagļi parish, focusing on bathhouse traditions. This was the second year the ensemble held an event there on St. Peter's Day.
The ethnographic ensemble “Rikava” hosted a performance on June 28, St. Peter's Day, at the fisherman’s homestead “Zvejnieki” in Nagļi parish, Rēzekne municipality. This year's program, titled “Sastdiņš vokors,” used songs, humorous skits, and beliefs to depict the tradition of visiting a bathhouse.
Last year (2025), the ensemble presented “Pi azara loba dzeive,” which portrayed a day in the life of Lubāns Lake fishermen. The idea for an annual St. Peter's Day event emerged after the 2024 performance, which honored the late homestead owner Jānis Macāns (1957–2021). Current owner Anna Macāne described life by the lake as “truly good and endlessly beautiful.”
Ensemble leader Aija Dundure explained that “Rikava” has been creating thematic programs for 72 years. Initially focused solely on singing, the group shifted to narrative performances after the 1958 Latgale Culture Week in Riga, inspired by director Marga Tetere. Dundure noted that “Rikava” is the only ensemble in Latvia that systematically produces such programs. The program “Sastdiņš vokors” was originally created for the international folklore festival “Baltica” and is periodically refreshed.
After the performance, guests were treated to fish soup prepared by Anna Macāne and her daughter Aija. Regarding tourism, Macāne mentioned that despite initial concerns from drone threat reports, July is fully booked, though two groups cancelled. She also highlighted upcoming milestones: 30 years since the “Zvejniekdiena” sports event in Nagļi, 25 years as a guide, and 20 years offering Latgale's culinary heritage.
