Latvia: Welcoming Kalnciema Quarter in Riga
Last weekend I went to Kalnciema Quarter in my hometown Riga. Various concerts and events are organized there. It’s a great place for local groups to show their musical talents as well as to explore various handicrafts and home-made special foods. Funny how far I have traveled the world, got lost in various States of America, but have never been to such a wonderful place I live close by. Here are some of the items I discovered.
Handmade brooches with symbols from Latvian folklore and silhouette of the country. Majority of them in flag colours, carmine red and white.
Minute knitted boots with some personality.
Somebody invested some serious time for some serious crafts. Well done wooden spoons.
These ceramics was an interesting discovery for me. The items are made from glass, so they are much lighter than the regular clay bowls. Back side is covered in white sand gathered from Latvian beaches.
Do you think these are tools? I sure did and was ready to pick them up and feel some weight. Turned out it was chocolate. I realized that I found the best section of market which is filled with various treats.
Carrot cake with selection of nuts and dried fruits in a hand-made package. I spoiled myself a bit and bought a treat too, home-made apple-raspberry juice which was a combination I never thought of. I will definitely try to make some once I will get the necessarry ingredients.
There was a small stage for concerts, devoted to Spanish culture that day. Ladies performed flamenco in colourful traditional dresses. The dance originated in Andalusia and is known for its emotional intensity, proud carriage, expressive use of the arms and rhythmic stamping of the feet. It’s been told by many stories that only ladies who have mastered flamenco can dance with shawl, a capricious tool of advanced dancers. Other group had castanets too. This was my first and definitely not the last visit of Kalnciema Quarter.
“Funny how far I have traveled the world, got lost in various States of America, but have never been to such a wonderful place I live close by. ” Sometimes it’s in your own backyard where you discover the most amazing things. 🙂 Great post.
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Hi Kate – I am glad you enjoyed.
Well said. I had this thought in my mind that.. I can always explore my city because I live here, so I rather chose to go abroad. Now it’s time to explore the closest corners.
– Ruta
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This is my favorite post probably because I love flamenco dancing ☺
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I love this! It gives me an idea of another place to see. 🙂 And as Kate said above, yes, it’s often the places closest to home that get forgotten because there is a feeling that we can always visit them, anytime. I was this way with Washington, DC for a long time. Thanks for sharing this- my husband and I will have to visit Kalnciema Quarter soon!
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Hi there – that’s right, Washington DC has so much to offer too. I suggest to check out the homepage of Kalnciema Quarter. They keep it up to date well.
– Ruta
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Oh, and I love the chocolate tools! I never would have expected that those are made of chocolate!
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It is wonderful that you are discovering so many hidden gems in and near your town.
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Great minds think alike 🙂
– Ruta
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So much local culture and gorgeous handicraft in your own backyard. The whole atmosphere seems so vibrant and colourful!
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Helene – hi, again 🙂 I am glad you caught the feeling. It was wonderful, with live music in background and people eating, dancing and enjoying crafts. Time well spent.
– Ruta
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Very cute! Hoping to make it to the Baltics next year 🙂
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Hi – if you come to Baltics definitely visit Riga, and if you visit Riga definitely let me know. 🙂
– Ruta
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Thanks Ruta! 🙂
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Wow those chocolate tools are so realistic! Uncanny!
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Hi L – indeed. Let’s blame it on cinnamon which makes them look untouched for ages or on the contrary used nonstop in a mining site. I love when people are creative.
– Ruta
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How beautiful! I love all the crafts and the costumes. Looks like a great little area to explore.
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