Social Events

A SPECIAL SINGING AND DANCING EVENT

A SPECIAL SINGING AND DANCING EVENT will be held at the historical university building (Raiņa blvd. 19) on Friday evening, July 5th, providing a glimpse into Latvian traditions. The Latvian folk dance tradition stems from the 17th century, but during the past 100 years it has become popular as a meaningful component of Latvian cultural events and various special occasions. On Friday evening the Latvian dance group “Čūskas” will present the Latvian folk dances, and Alexa will present folk dances from other countries. Together this will provide a lively and interesting program, whereby all conference participants who are present will be able to learn the dance steps and to join in with the dancing.

When: Friday 05 July, 2024

Time: 19:30-22:00

The guided tour of Riga provides an opportunity to explore numerous historical landmarks in the Historic Centre of Riga, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes buildings from the medieval period as well as Art Nouveau structures from the turn of the past century. The guided tour will begin at Riga Cathedral, the largest medieval church in the Baltics, famed for its impressive organ and storied past. The tour will continue to the reconstructed House of the Blackheads, a lavish building that once served as the base for the prosperous Blackheads Guild of medieval merchants. Participants of the tour will also explore the historical architecture of the Three Brothers residential complex, showcasing architectural progression from the medieval period onward. The tour will then proceed to Riga Castle, the official residence of the Latvian President.

The tour will continue with a showcasing of Riga’s Art Nouveau architectural district, referred to as the Art Nouveau Jewel of Northern Europe. This area displays globally acclaimed Art Nouveau buildings, distinguished by detailed floral motifs, flowing lines, and graceful forms.

This tour will not only highlight Riga’s architectural gems and well-kept city parks but also provide insight on the historic and contemporary landmarks that shape the city’s skyline.

At the culmination of the tour will be a sampling of Riga Black Balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur known for its deep, bittersweet taste. This blend of herbs, roots, and berries follows an 18th-century secret recipe initially concocted as a medicinal tonic by a local pharmacist. Today it is a cherished part of Latvian culture, enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails. Participants will learn of its rich history and savor its unique flavor, served in a traditional clay bottle that enhances its intricate taste.

Date: 05 July 2024

Time: The guided walking tour will begin at 14:30 and will end at 16:30

The guided walking tour will begin at 14:30 in Old Riga at the Latviešu Strēlnieku monument. At the Latviešu Strēlinieku monument look for a guide holding a sign that says “ISPA 2024”. The secret code is “Key to Rīga”.

You have two options to reach the starting point of the guided walking tour:

First option – Walk: From the University of Latvia House of Science to the meeting point at the Latviešu Strēlnieki monument it is a pleasant 20-30 minute walk across the bridge that crosses the river Daugava (see the map below)

Directions: From the University of Latvia House of Science to the meeting point at the Latviešu Strēlnieki monument it is a pleasant 20-30 minute walk across the bridge that crosses the river Daugava (see the map below).

Second Option– Taxi: Meet at the conference Reģistration Desk at 14:00, and from there Zinta will take you to where the taxis will be waiting. The taxi will take you to Old Riga, Latviešu Strēlnieku monument. If you wish to use this service, please email zinta.zalite-supe@lu by 09:00 on 04 July so we can arrange the necessary number of taxis..

At the Latviešu Strēlinieku square look for a guide holding a sign that says “ISPA 2024”. The secret code is “Key to Rīga”.

After the end of the excursion, the taxi driver will take you back to the University of Latvia House of Science. It will be guaranteed that you will arrive in time for the General Assembly.

Latvian rye bread is a staple of the national cuisine, known for its rich, slightly sweet and tangy flavor that is the result of a long fermentation process. Traditionally made from rye flour, water, yeast, and sometimes a touch of malt for sweetness, this dense dark bread is deeply embedded in Latvian culture. It is celebrated for its nutritional benefits and its ability to stay fresh for an extended period. Often the dough includes caraway seeds, enhancing the bread’s distinctive taste. Latvian rye bread is not only a daily food item but also plays a significant role in various cultural and family traditions, symbolizing health and prosperity.

During the masterclass at the “Lāči” bakery, located 30 km from Riga, participants will delve into the Latvian bread-making process, exploring the baker’s traditional trade and tools. The rye bread is baked in a real wood-fired oven on a clone, preserving the ancient baking methods. The tour participants will have an opportunity to experience the bread making process and to make their own authentic mini bread loaf. After the masterclass participants will be able to relax and enjoy herbal teas along with various bakery delicacies.

Date: 05 July 2024

Time: 14:00-17:00

Meet at the conference Registration Desk at 14:00 and look for Zinta. She will take you to the bus that will take you to the Latvian Bread Baking Workshop and bring you back to the conference venue in time for the General Assembly.

The guided tour of the University of Latvia’s main building showcases the oldest university structure in Latvia and an architectural monument of national significance. This historic central building with its unique architecture, has become an iconic symbol of higher education in Latvia.

One of the main highlights of the tour is the Astronomical Tower, located on the roof of the building. This tower, completed in 1869, has been operating as a tool for astronomical investigation for the past 150 years. During the 19th century the tower’s telescope was used for scientific observations. During the first half of the 20th century students of astronomy used the telescope for practical assignments. Since 1986 it has operated as a public observatory, welcoming astronomy enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Another unique and historic room within the main building is the Student Punishment Cell. This small room holds the memory of a time from about 1875 – 1905, when the building housed the Riga Polytechnical Institute. Disobedient students could be locked up in isolation for several days as punishment for misconduct, for example, use of alcohol or not attending lectures. During this time they received free meals, but could not communicate with friends or relatives. It is the oldest and most authentically preserved student penitentiary in the Baltics and is now open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into past disciplinary practices within academic context.

The tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore these significant building components and to delve into the rich historical context.

Date: 05 July 2024

Time: The guided walking tour will begin at 14:30 and will end at 16:30

The guided walking tour will start at 14:30 at Raiņa bulvāris 19, on the steps of the University of Latvia main administration building. At Raiņa bulvāris 19, look for a guide holding a sign that says “ISPA 2024”.

First option – Walk: From the University of Latvia House of Science to Raiņa bulvāris 19 it is a pleasant 30 – 40 minute walk across the bridge that crosses the river Daugava and then continuing through Old Riga (see the map below).

Second Option– Taxi: Meet at the conference Reģistration Desk at 14:00, and from there Zinta will take you to where the taxis will be waiting.  The taxi will  take you to Raiņa bulvāris 19. If you wish to use this service, please email zinta.zalite-supe@lu by 09:00 on 04 July so we can arrange the necessary number of taxis.. 

After the end of the excursion, the taxi driver will take you back to the University of Latvia House of Science. It will be guaranteed that you will arrive in time for the General Assembly.

Here is a photo of the University of Latvia main administration building  at Raiņa bulvāris 19

After the end of the excursion, the taxi driver will take you back to the conference venue.