Culture in Nature KA2 - Latvia

The first part of the Erasmus+ KA210-ADU - Small-scale partnerships in adult education: Culture in Nature project started off in Latvia, with the first day being initiated with a cultural tour around Riga, the capital, where the group explored its historical sites and urban landscape. Later that day, they travelled by bus to Līgatne and settled into a cabin that served as the base for the week. In the evening, participants practiced traditional Latvian dances, making use of the spacious common area. The day concluded with cultural presentations from each country—Malta, Latvia, and Finland—covering significant cultural facts, fun details, and geological features of each nation.

The following day started with an ice-breaker activity designed to help participants get to know each other better. This involved impersonating fellow participants based on earlier conversations, fostering a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. After sharing a traditional Latvian dinner, the evening was spent playing card games developed by participants from previous projects, focusing on strategies for drawing creative inspiration from nature.

The next day, the group learned about Latvian traditions, including crafting birds from natural fibres like grass and string. In the afternoon, each country’s participants presented information about the organizations they represent. The day concluded with a cultural evening where participants shared traditional foods, sweets, and beverages from their respective countries, creating an opportunity for cultural exchange through shared meals.

The morning that followed was dedicated to Latvian musical traditions, highlighting their connection to nature and spirituality. Participants learned about symbols used in Latvian culture and their personal significance, followed by singing traditional songs while playing various instruments around a campfire. Later in the day, the group visited the historic Līgatne Paper Mill and toured the surrounding natural areas. In the evening, they attended the Latvian Fire Festival held in a forest, providing insight into how cultural events can be integrated with natural settings.

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The next day began with traditional Latvian songs as a warm-up, followed by brainstorming activities aimed at fostering creative thinking with a focus on nature. Participants discussed the cultural similarities and differences among Malta, Latvia, and Finland. The afternoon was dedicated to evaluating the previous day's fire festival and other activities, analysing them from an event organizer’s perspective. This included discussions on event planning such as safety, resources, food, and attire, with the goal of developing a framework for future projects that combine culture and nature effectively.

Towards the end of the program, the group experienced a traditional Northern European sauna, guided by a sauna expert. This included a full sauna session along with hot tubs, offering an opportunity to relax and reflect on the week's activities.
These activities contributed to a broader understanding of how nature influences cultural practices and how cultural events can be designed to adapt to and embrace natural environments.