For Latgale, one of the most typical and interesting traditions is black pottery. In “Potters' Days”, the main events this year took place in the Rēzekne municipality Ozolaine parish workshop "Cukrasāta".
“The dishes are very different: the masters make different dishes, different shapes, types, styles, uses, glaze and so on, so that diversity is very great. Household dishes, ornamental dishes, kitchen dishes,” said Staņislavs Viļums, owner of the potters' workshop "Cukrasāta".
The firing of kilns and the removal of dishes is the main event. Potters' Days have been taking place in the region every spring for more than 40 years, and its main idea, citing the organizers, is to see, feel and celebrate Latgale clay, which is also part of the Latvian Cultural Canon.
“The Potters' Days are almost like the cemetery festival, when people come together, it happens regularly, once a year. When there is the firing of the kiln, the most active potters are also present. Look at each other, show yourself to others,” said potter Valdis Pauliņš from Krāslava.
“A tradition founded by the masters themselves and maintained by the masters themselves. As with language, the language has been created by the people themselves, and while they use the language, the language lives. While the masters themselves maintain this tradition, tell each other about themselves, remind others of themselves, it will be a tradition. In this way, we also promote our position,” Viļums added.
Although the major events of Latgale's Potters' Days have been completed, various activities and workshops will continue until the autumn.
