Valmiermuiža hosts 9th ethnomusic festival with Chinese rhythms and fire show

The ninth ethnomusic festival was held on Saturday, July 18, in Valmiermuiža Park, blending traditions from around the world. The festival's theme, "parallels," ran through the entire program, allowing visitors to see connections between different generations and cultures.

Attendees enjoyed a French circus artist's performance, a concert by the group "Tautumeitas," and a ritual fire show. The Chinese band "Manhu" particularly stood out, playing authentic instruments of the Yunnan Sani people, including making music on a leaf. The project "Ethno Estonia," featuring musicians from several countries, performed in Latvia for the first time.

In addition to music, lectures on mystical topics such as witches and near-death experiences sparked lively discussions. In workshops, Estonian craftsmen taught kanel playing, silver jewelry making, weaving, and Estonian ethnomusic. Many guests came from Estonia, including from Viljandi and Tartu.

The evening concluded with the fire performance "This Sun, That Sun" by artist Zane Zelmene, who lit five reed sculptures. The ritual symbolically encouraged letting go of excess, after which visitors danced in the rain to the music of "Sventava." Festival-goers particularly appreciated the escape from daily life and the atmosphere in the park.