CONFERENCE
Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde: "The 70th anniversary of the Gaudeamus tradition confirms that the unity of the Baltic States is deeply rooted in our student communities. This celebration is an integral part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, which fits organically into the Song and Dance Festival tradition. We are truly delighted that Riga will be the host city for this celebration this summer, celebrating our shared heritage and strengthening the unity of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.”
The Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival "Gaudeamus" is an important step in preserving the unique tradition of song and dance festivals and strengthening unity among the Baltic countries. The festival takes place alternately in one of the Baltic countries. Previously, in 2022, students gathered in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.
"Gaudeamus is a strategic investment for the University of Latvia — it strengthens the university's international recognition, unites the Baltic academic environment, and creates long-term added value for both students and society. Organizing an event of this scale demonstrates the University of Latvia's ability to professionally manage complex processes, attract partners, and create a platform where culture becomes a resource for development," emphasizes Enno Ence, Vice-Rector for Development at the University of Latvia.
During the festival, Riga will host an opening concert in the Great Hall of the University of Latvia, a folk music and dance program in collaboration with Zāļu tirgus in Doma Square, a concert of spiritual music in one of Riga's churches, a concert by the best folk dance ensembles, a concert by wind orchestras in Vērmane Garden, as well as a festive parade from Old Riga to Brīvības Square and a grand concert "To Infinity" in Brīvības Square.
The government has decided that the Ministry of Education and Science will establish a celebration organizing committee within a month, involving institutions that will be directly involved in preparing and ensuring the celebration. The celebration organizing committee will ensure inter-institutional cooperation, coordination of decisions, and risk management.
The University of Latvia, in cooperation with other universities, will ensure the participation of Baltic university teams and coordinate the preparation process, the implementation of the celebration program, cooperation with the city of Riga in organizing the celebrations, the reception of planned participants, logistics for participants, visitors, and service personnel, celebration venues, and coordination of the activities of institutions and cooperation partners involved in the preparation and implementation of the celebrations.
The Gaudeamus tradition began in Tartu in 1956, and since then the festival has been held 19 times in the Baltic States. It is an important part of Baltic cultural and academic identity, promoting the preservation of traditions and the involvement of young people in folk culture.
The draft order "On the organization of the 20th Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival Gaudeamus" is available on the unified public portal for draft legislation.
Source: Ministry of Education and Science.
, together with the University of Latvia (UL), will be the organizer of the 20th Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival "Gaudeamus" this year, as decided by the Cabinet of Ministers on January 27. The festival will take place in Riga from June 19 to 21 and will be attended by 5,000 students from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.){kind=link}