Riga - European Capital of Culture 2014 candidate

sigulda programmeever-living legendsRegional history is most colourfullyreflected in legends that have beenpassed down since ancient times.Sigulda is woven about with such legends,the folklore interwoven with historicalfact – the stories of the Rose ofTuraida, and the great Livonian chieftainslike Kaupo, whose complex rolein the introduction of Christianity tothe southern Baltic is still controversial.Since the 19 th century, Siguldaand the surrounding area have featuredin many ballads, poems, plays,films, postage stamps, operas, andeven modern dance performances.The continuing creation of new worksof art around these themes shows thatthe legendary figures live on in thepopular imagination.Some myths and geographically rooted legendsare perfect material for the stimulationof the modern creative imagination. In 2014,17 local amateur collectives will seek to revivethe legends by working with professionalchoreographers, scenographers, composersand theatre directors. The residentsof Sigulda and the surrounding area will beinvolved in major professional musical productions,bringing local mythology alive.The story of the Rose of Turaida is the legendof the devoted and courageous girlMaija Greifa, who lived at Turaida in the17 th century. Though tragic, the beautifullove story is alive in the Latvian imagination;couples still leave flowers and lightcandles at the grave of Rose of Turaida ontheir wedding day.What: Musical performance.Where: Historic sites and natural featuresin the Sigulda area.When: 2012 – Legend of Kaupo at theSigulda castle ruins; 2014 – Legend of theRose of Turaida on Gūtmanis Island.Concept author: Sigulda District Council.Organisers: Sigulda District Council.Partners: Professional composers,choreographers, poets.turning stylishTo change the dank destiny of basements– transform them into beautifulmeeting-places! Awaiting the yearof the European Capital of Culture,Sigulda will look for ways to convertbunkers from the Second World Warinto accessible and pleasant spaces forpublic use. The best idea for revampingthese sites, which are also importanthistorically, will be implemented in2014 as a gift to the residents and asurprise for the visitors.was located. The air raid shelter was builtfor the use of the headquarters personneland is currently not used. There have beenvarious plans to turn these bunkers intocafés, youth centres or art galleries.The Sigulda Town Council, consulting withboth residents and experts, will seek themost interesting concept for making useof these structures.What: Creative workshop.Where: Sigulda.Concept authors: Sigulda RegionalCouncil, Development Board, CiltureBoard, Sports and Tourism Board.In 1944, during the Second World War,Sigulda served as the headquarters of theGerman Army Group Nord. In the formerWhite Manor, then the Sigulda secondaryschool, the headquarters’ security service143