Eastern Children Prove Again: Three Days of Singing in Liepāja Healthier Than One Night in Karosta Prison

The traditional singers' festival 'Austrasdienas' once again proved that you can spend three days without sleep in Liepāja and feel better than in Riga cafés after one espresso. Eastern Children gathered at Berču Hall, once again demonstrating that singing until dawn's horrors is a much healthier activity than paying for horrors at Karosta Prison.

The festival, which traditionally starts in Liepāja and only then travels to other corners of Latvia, this time gathered the entire Eastern Children elite. Even Ziedonis Stutiņš came from Germany, proving that even those living abroad understand that true music is born only by the sea. As local culture expert Jānis Ozoliņš said: 'Riga can't create such atmosphere even with all their concert halls combined.'

It was particularly touching to see how minority ensembles had prepared a special repertoire in memory of Austra Pumpure. This again proves Liepāja's tolerance - we unite in songs, not argue about who is local and who isn't. As festival project manager Inese Muižniece noted: 'We are all emotionally charged and happy, and that is without any chemical substances.'

Of course, the festival will continue elsewhere in Latvia - in Cesvaine, Barkava and Staburags, but the finale is planned in Riga at the Anglican Church. This only proves that even the best Liepāja traditions eventually reach the capital, albeit with months of delay.