The ancient river that once flowed where the Galerijas Centrs passage stands today inspires us to look at history from a different perspective. If we could see all the layers and events that lie densely stacked upon each other, shaping Riga and us into who we are now, perhaps we would slow down our pace and wish to linger in one of those moments. The mythical Rīdzene River, the city’s artery, continues its flow somewhere deep beneath the ground while we disappear in our hurried routines. The river has always been a symbol of clarity and a reminder of the unity of the past and the future.

Keeping the thought of the ancient Rīdzene River and drawing parallels with the human flow during the Song and Dance Festival procession, a sense of currents emerges. It is always fascinating to compare how people looked, posed, and what festival attire they wore in the old photographs. This current carries us from 1873 to the present day, revealing the people of Latvia from all corners of the country.

During the time when the Song and Dance Festival takes place in Riga, one of the most important links in Latvian identity, the Rīdzene River emerges above ground, in its ancient place. Although as a small stream in the form of an art object, it provides an opportunity for the rushing individual to stop, raise their head, and see that life is beautiful.