Light festival ''Staro Rīga'' (14.11.-18.11.2009.)

[Valentina]

Light festival "Staro Riga" ("Shine Riga")

Already second year in Riga we had a light festival. It is organised in probably darkest days of our autumn/winter season, in middle of November. From the dark light and colourful shapes raise and amaze you. Many buildings of Riga "dress into new outfits" and it gives exciting possibility to see Riga from another viewpoint.
Last year as it was for first time there weren't so many objects like this year. And in 2009 it lasted longer, for 5 days. Many people went out to enjoy this event. Old Riga was crowdy and full of people taking photos and having good time. Not only locals but also foreign visitors seemed interested and surprised.
This year I had quite a few favourite objects. Firstly when I saw advertisement on TV I wanted to see the Powder tower which had moving eyes and was called the guard of city.

Very impressive was St.Peter's church which was giving out rays like a lighthouse! People could see that from almost each part of Old Riga. I think that was a really great idea to make our highest church look like lighthouse.

Also our Opera building was
changing it's "skin". For a moment it was red and covered with many sculptures, another moment it looked like brick building. Also music and special sounds fulfilled the atmosphere.

Our old press building on the other side of river Daugava "was made alive" by light performances which included latvian traditional symbols.

Funny was that there appeared a roof on Riga palace tower. At least for 5 nights it had a proper roof. :)

All people that I have talked with agreed that it is a really good idea to have such festival and it attracts many people each time. I hope this tradition will live long!

[Valentina]

Paldies, Taņa! ;-)

[Tanja]

Labs ! :-) Very good article Valentina :-)
I agree that festival is very nice. Lot of peoples come to see it.
It was GOOD idea how to make more bright and funny that long dark autumn days here in Latvia !