We are Latvia!

The Latvian Cultural Festival in Ireland (LKSĪ) has been held since 2011, on the first weekend of May, coinciding with the anniversary of Latvia’s independence in 1991. The founders of the cultural festival are ex ambassador to Ireland Pēteris Kārlis Elferts and Inguna Grietiņa – Dārziņa (who is also head of the organizing team).

The celebration takes place at Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 CA26.

LKSI is organized by a management group established by the Latvian Society in Ireland and supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Ireland, the Latvian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture, the Temple Bar Company, and Dublin City Council.

Every year, the festival has:

A grand procession through the streets of Temple Bar

White tablecloth celebration

Concert of traditional music and dancing

Food and crafts market

Audience participation – singing and dancing

Youth concert and fun practical workshops

A social evening with karaoke in the pub.

Additionally, film and theatre performances, group concerts, fun engaging masterclasses for both children and adults, various forums and other activities are held during the festival.

Among the participants of the festival are Irish Latvian choirs, dance groups, weekend schools, artisans, food vendors, sports teams, and others.

The festival also offers an opportunity for groups of Latvians from Northern Ireland, Latvia, Germany, Great Britain, Finland, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada and other countries to come together and celebrate. Between 300 to 1,000 participants take part in the festivities each year, with thousands of visitors and spectators enjoying the festivities.