Two New Books Published on Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival

On June 16, the launch of two new publications took place at the Great Stage of Mežaparks in the exhibition "Dziesmusvētku telpa" – a collective monograph "School Youth Song and Dance Festival. History and Personalities" and an interview collection "Echoes. Memories and Assessments." Both books were compiled by Ilze Šarkovska-Liepiņa, a researcher at the University of Latvia Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art. The publications were created in close cooperation between the State Education Development Agency (VIAA), the UL Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, and the National Library of Latvia Museum of Writing and Music.

The monograph chronologically covers the festival's development from its 19th-century origins, starting with the first children's singing festival in 1866 in Lazdona, through the interwar period, Soviet occupation, and the restoration of independence up to the 13th School Youth Song and Dance Festival. It analyzes different eras and includes contributions from experts in musicology, history, performing arts, composition, dance, theater, and theology. Authors include Jānis Erenštreits, Inese Mailīte, Ilze Dūmiņa-Kroja, Dace Aperāne, Jāna Jēruma-Grīnberga, Valda Liepiņa, Anita Andersone, Dita Jonīte, and Māra Mellēna.

The interview collection "Echoes" serves as a supplement to the monograph, offering personal memories and assessments from individuals who have significantly contributed to the festival tradition at various times. The excerpts come from conversations held in 2024 and 2025, conducted by museum experts Ieva Ezeriete, Evelīna Plostniece, Maruta Rubeze, and Laura Švītiņa, as well as compiler Ilze Šarkovska-Liepiņa.

The books were designed by "Aģentūra Raugs," inspired by a children's workbook. The visual design retains a handcrafted feel with appliqués and drawing elements, creating a sense of movement and vitality. These publications represent the most comprehensive research on the School Youth Song and Dance Festival to date, compiling both basic information and lesser-known aspects. They will soon be available in libraries, museums, and in electronic format on the websites of the cooperating institutions. The monograph is 448 pages, and the interview collection is 96 pages.