On 4 May 1990, Latvia proclaimed its independence from the USSR, and restoration of the Republic of Latvia. Five years ago, a new tradition was launched in Latvia: “People of Latvia. Honor. Gowns." The parade takes place on May 4 each year, and calls for the participation of any interested person who owns a folk gown.
Last year, due to the constraints of the pandemic, the parade could not take place traditionally, with gathering. Facebook and Instagram was flooded with photos of proud owners of the Latvian national folk dress. The digital format allowed over 4,000 keen participants to join in from Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and elsewhere.
This year, the parade will take place virtually again, and everyone is invited to post their pictures on social media with the hashtag #tautastērpugājiens2021. Moreover, even those who do not own a gown will be able to participate by trying on the folk dress filter on Facebook and Instagram.
Details about the filter will follow on April 30.
To remember the events of previous parades, this year, on 4 May in Rātslaukums, Old Town, an art object will be exhibited throughout the day – a stage with symbolic parades and audiovisual stories of 4 May 1990, on the establishment of the National Arts Center Senā klēts and the history of the gowns. The arts object will be there throughout the day from 9:00 to 21:00.
