Latvia

Discussion in 'Free Thoughts' started by Thor, Aug 20, 2002.

  1. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    19,083
    whatever- scotish, irish- Balts have never had any business with them.

    - I haven't forgotten about the battle of Saule odin. I started it and there's nothing much t tell, just have to find specific translations to english for german knights association

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    (no - not templars, although they show up)

    bonus-
    Bagpipes (latvian) are made of unadulterated stripped skin (sheep, calf, pig, dog, feline and other), turned out to underside. At the ends of the forelegs, the tube of cart of air and the pipe of melody are placed, at the ends of the backlegs - one or two burdon pipes.
    Player keeps a bagpipe in his armpit and sqeazes it. The compressed air leaving oscillates the reed and creates a sound. By pressing of the elbow the player supports in bagpipe even pressure and, by this, even height of the sound.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2002
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  3. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    Many of foreign sources put all the fame to the Lithuanians. Somehow Lithuanians and Latvians don't do it because for the following reasons lazy foreign historians failed to notice.
    The battle of Saule (a location, also saule is =sun) is a location in the territory of Latvia and it has always been like it . Besides then there weren't nations as now. There were baltic tribes and some of them fought in the battle of Saule- not Lithuanians , not Latvians , but the tribes that lived in that area.
    They wiped out all Order of Sword (german knights) with smaller rank warriors (16k in total) except for one knight with his servant (he was killed later).

    Ringaud was a great Lithuanian warlord, some call him king.


    I wanted to write a longer response, but then remembered this song by SKYFORGER

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    (folk metal band)


    The Battle Of Saule

    Sit down, wayfarer, by the riverside
    take a look beyond
    see the level field
    on the other side of stream

    Where a quiet ploughman
    slowly tilling his land
    in olden times there raged a battle
    many thousands meet their death

    Over there the power of the order of sword was razed to the ground
    Lithuanians side by side with Semigalls a great victory then found

    In the battle of Saule
    Where Ringaud hailed the victory
    at the battlefield of Saule
    the bones of Christians are rotting in the ground

    Through the dark forests by stealth
    has Ringaud rushed with his men
    on the way to this bloody feast
    has called the Semigalls to join them

    Perkon! The almighty forefathers' god
    Who crashes the bolts from the sky
    by whom the earth and the air is trembling
    please, help us to conquer this fighting

    Meister Folkvin and the whole Order of Sword for ever fell asleep,
    by the Semigalls some coward who tried to escape in Riga was killed

    The Battle of Saule, by the river Memele
    most splendid of the Ringaud's victories
    when passing by this place, wayfarer,


    ===============
    I have all the facts of how they marched, detailed followup and more details, but it's a long and complicated text in Latvian and I'm not sure if it's very interesting to "outsiders"

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    . I'm lazy

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    I'll read it through once more
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2002
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  5. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    hmmm, maybe there is some connection, but with the picts

    DAINAS - ANCIENT FOLKSONGS OF LATVIA

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    Latvian Plaid from Lejasciems, Latvia
    Similar to Scottish & Tocharian Plaids

    Did you know that the ancient Latvians, like the Scots, had bagpipes? or that weaving patterns in Scottish tartans have great similarities to ancient Latvian plaids? See the graphic above. The pictured Latvian plaid is nearly identical to an ancient Tocharian plaid - ancient European mummies of which have been found in China. Did these ancient peoples share a common origin? [For the linguistic tartans compare Latvian terpins, dim. for terps meaning "tartan", all probably derived from a term similar to Latvian dariba, darina (drana), darita, daritins meaning "worked (product)"), whence Latvian drebes "cloth" and English drapes. The Scottish kilt compares to Latvian kleita ("dress").]

    It is perhaps not without reason that Paul Dunbavin, in his book Picts and Ancient Britons: An Exploration of Pictish Origins, suggests on the basis of still further evidence, "that the Picts were ... immigrants from the Baltic." Looking back even further in time, archaeology and a study of ancient skull types clearly shows similar Mesolithic humans (ca. 8000 BC) among the Magdalenians (the cave painters of Lascaux, France), the ancient people of Normandy, Scandinavia, the middle European lowland and Latvia. See Raisa Denisova, The Most Ancient Population of Latvia and Ilze Loze, Indo- Europeans in the Eastern Baltic in the View of an Archaeologist.

    Hence, the culture and traditions of the Baltic peoples take on a greater importance for those who wish to study the origins of the cultures of the British Isles and of Western Civilization.

    One of the important remnants of ancient Baltic culture is formed by the DAINAS. The word "DAINAS" in Latvian is pronounced exactly like the English "DYNAS" in DYNASTY. The Dainas are unique ancient Latvian "folksongs in verse form - originally intended to be sung". The Dainas relate epic, mythical, astronomical and cultural information. One such verse or "Daina" generally consists of four lines of unrhymed trochaic text (one long syllable followed by one short syllable, etc.).

    The Dainas have been passed down over the millennia by oral tradition and cover all aspects of ancient Baltic life, mythology and astronomy. Dainas are called Dainos in Lithuania - where they are far less frequent. In Latvia, the Dainas are most frequent in the highlands. Comparables to the Dainas outside the Baltic are perhaps only found in ancient Mesopotamia in the most ancient Sumerian and Akkadian pantheon. An example is the Agushaya Hymn (Agushaya possibly = Latvian Augšaja "(on) the highest"), an ancient song text which was the dissertation subject of Orientalist Wolfram von Soden, who at that time could not have been aware of any possible Baltic connection. A number of lines in the Sumerian-Akkadian Agushaya Hymn bear strong similarity to texts STILL found nearly unaltered in the Latvian Dainas.

    As noted by Hans Rychener, in his book "...und Estland, Lettland, Litauen?", Herbert Lang, Berlin, 1975, p. 24: "The myths of the Lithuanians and Latvians...remind one of the belief systems of the ancient Hindus and Greeks."

    Robert Payne, in "The Green Linden, Selected Lithuanian Folk-songs", Voyages Press, N.Y., 1964, writes: "The dainos...represent a form of poetry as ancient as anything on this earth.... They have a beauty and pure primitive splendor above anything I know in Western literature, except the early songs of the Greek Islanders. They seem to have been written at the morning of the world, and the dew is still on them."

    Hermanis Rathfelders, in his many writings in Acta Baltica, wrote that the Latvian Dainas were extremely ancient, preceding the milling of grain, so that the mythological and astronomical Dainas may reach back many thousands of years in time.

    Oral Tradition and the Dainas

    The Dainas as ancient verses were handed down through oral tradition from generation to generation in Latvia, often at great cost.

    During one stage of German occupation of Latvia in the 16th century, women caught reciting the Dainas were burned at the stake as witches, which only solidified the cultural resistance more than ever.

    In the 18th century the famous German writers Johann Gottfried von Herder and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe devoted serious attention to the Latvian Dainas, which surely helped to generate Herder's interest in his later "Essay on the Origin of Language", as well as "Oldest Records of the Human Race" and his collection of Folk Songs ("Volkslieder").

    Through his contact with the Latvian Dainas, Herder may also have developed his theory that the poetry of legend was the "soul of history" - or, as written in the Encyclopaedia Britannica "[Herder] considered poetry to spring from the natural and historical environment" of man. At the end of his life, Herder was thus a great opponent of the modern developing "classical movement" in German literature, which estranged poetry from its place as a historical record, leading to a modern misinterpretation of antique sources which has persisted down to the present day, not just in Mesopotamia, but also in the misinterpretation of the Dainas.

    Krišjanis Barons and the Dainas

    In 1878 a group of Latvian intellectuals in Moscow decided to collect and publish the "best" of the Latvian Dainas, not fully realizing the immensity of the task before them. They had no idea that so many Dainas existed. The last volume of their collection, Latvju Dainas, was thus in fact published in St. Petersburg only 40 years later. [See Archives of Latvian Folklore]

    The best known of the three initial "collectors" of Dainas is Krišjanis Barons, who was the main coordinator of the project to collect, classify and publish the Dainas. Barons was born on October 31, 1835 in Latvia. He attended schools in Dundaga (German Dondangen), Kurzeme (German Kurland viz. Courland), Ventspils (German Windau) and Jelgava (German Mitau). From 1856 to 1860 he studied mathematics and astronomy in Tartu (German Dorpat), Estonia (German Estland). When Barons passed away on March 8, 1923, he was celebrated by thousands as a national hero, for having collected 35,800 Dainas, including 182,000 variants, for a total of 217,800 verses.

    But this was not the end of the matter. Collection of Dainas continued through the 20th century, and there are now a total of ca. 2,000,000 (two million) collected verses, counting variants. As written by Vilmos Voigt, it is the greatest such collection of ancient folksongs in the world - and yet the population of Latvians in Latvia has never exceeded 2,000,000 people, so this must be a very old tradition.

    Barons dealt with the Dainas over decades and thus began to understand their essence. He wisely organized the Dainas according to the events of the mythical, astronomical and agricultural year - to which their content is in fact well suited and from which they surely originated. One of the Dainas even speaks of "ice hills" - perhaps glaciers of the most recent glacial period - so that the Dainas may be among the oldest human records.

    The DAINAS presented here are selected from and adapted from the 12-volume Latviešu Tautas Dziesmas (Chansons Populaires Lettonnes), Imanta Publishers, Copenhagen, 1952-1956, ed. A. Švabe, K. Straubergs and E. Hauzenberga-Šturma. These volumes followed the Barons system of classification for the Dainas. Dainas were grouped by assigned subject matter and each "basic unique" Daina was assigned a number starting with 1 and today reaching about 60,000, not counting the variants, which bring the total to well over 2,000,000. This classification system is retained on this web site.

    A new edition of the Dainas is being prepared by linguists in Latvia according to a new system of classification [See LTK, "Das bäuerliche Jahr im Volkslied", Deutsche Tagespost, No. 85, p. 10, July 16, 1985]. If the new system departs from the ancient scheme of calendric feasts and astronomical events in favor of "modern" views of poetry (such as Herder correctly opposed) - the new compilation may well be less "authentic" than the older versions, and thus less useful for historical study. But we shall see.

    All English translations and interpretations of the Dainas on this site, unless otherwise noted, are by Andis Kaulins, J.D. Stanford University; FFA Lecturer emeritus, University of Trier, Germany; Author, Langenscheidt Fachverlag. I find it interesting that ALL the kings of England up to the present generation can be traced back by royal blood to CEAWLIN, who was not only King of the West Saxons (Wessex) 560-592 AD but - according to the historian Bede - was also bretwalda of England south of the Humber (Kingston upon Hull). Bretwalda meant "Brit-ruler, overlord" and Baltic valda means "rules, governs". Do the similar names CEAWLIN and KAULINs also show an ancient historical connection between the Balts and the British Isles?

    Most of these translations and interpretations are new and suggest a more modern understanding of the ancient mythology, astronomy and culture of the Baltic peoples, who, according to the recently published History of the Baltic Countries (a book subsidized by the European Union) trace their origins back to the Magdalenians, the cave painters of Lascaux... which is e.g. surely why French tu es is the same as Latvian tu esi or French a'dieu may find itself in ar dievu in Latvian. Accordingly, the most ancient Dainas may trace clear back to the earliest origins of modern human civilization.



    btw- picts in latvian pronaunces like pikti and that means- the pettish ones lol
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2002
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  7. Captain_Crunch Club Ninja Valued Senior Member

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    Scottish culture has been corrupted by English culture. A culture of binge drinking, vandalism etc etc. But that is the modern culture of Scotland. There are similarities between latvian dress and Scottish dress (traditional) but that is all i can see.
     
  8. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    agree

    it's only a coincidance

    Latvians are really quite different from Scots
     
  9. Captain_Crunch Club Ninja Valued Senior Member

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    you know what really gets me though? when people say Scotland is part of England, its like saying Latvia is part of Russia (which i've heard many times) Scotland is an independant state, although its only a satelite state of England and is entirely dependant on England for financial purposes. Given the oportunity Scotland could sustain itself, but not until its given the chance. Scots are very proud of their country (i'm not)- i'm talking in general hear- and are proud of the traditional culture (probally like Latvians.
     
  10. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    yes . strange- I've never thought of Scottish people as English.
    must be due to the respect of freedom

    yes
     
  11. odin Registered Senior Member

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    Captain_Crunch

    Well we are getting very full down here now.
    So soon the refugees will have to go up to Scotland,& you will all be Heinz 57

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    the same as we will become

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    Given the oportunity Scotland could sustain itself
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    Wish you would hurry up as we are geting broke

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  12. Captain_Crunch Club Ninja Valued Senior Member

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    ?
    England has already been sending them up here.

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    I wish the government would realise that independance is the key to national prosperity. The only parties that would press for independance is SNP (Scottish National Party) and the SSP (Scottish Socialist Party)

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    unfortunatly, the so-called Labour party are quite happy in sponging off of England for a while longer. Sooner we become independant the better and sooner we can abolish the Union Jack (i hate that flag, the most pointless flag there is.)

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    there is only a 'Great Britain' due to the monarchy, which i am against also.

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    edit- to get smaller pic of union jack and the most up-dated version.
     
  13. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    Latvia - what it's like

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    Latvia abunds in small rivers. They were good for building mills in the past, then - small power stations. How this dead tree came to be in the middle of one - who can tell now... (Pale)
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    Salaca is one the most significant rivers here. It is a small one even compared to the big rivers of Latvia, still. And this is the only kind of cliffs we have here - sandstone.
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    Pines are among the most significant trees - both because they are the ones you will definitely notice and that you might earn the most on them. Hopefully these will never be cut down for the sake of timber. This is the national park of Mazsalaca.
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    Werewolves are known in all European cultures. A legend has it that passing through these pine roots for three times a person canbe turned into a werewolf. Well, of course not in bright daylight.
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    Imagine - it's full moon. You throw off your clothes and reciting a secret spell pass three times under the tree. Where would you run first, wolfie?
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    This is not the Baltic Sea. It's a lake. Another legend has it that there is a sunken castle in it. People who once lived there had some secret knowledge. Therefore to bring it back up you need to use your wits. And you have to be remarkably good at solving difficult problems. Yet no-one has succeeded... (Burtnieku ezers)
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    Last edited: Aug 22, 2002
  14. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    Died of sorrow... How many nations in how many legends have told a similar story? One such maiden is said to pass these gates when it's full moon. (Burtnieki)
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    That's the way of the nature: somebody eats somebody else. But humans are gready, they won't let their chicken be eaten by some falcon or crow. And thus a killed predator must serve as a warning to the others. (A farm in Kirbizi)
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    The last offerings ot some deities were left in these caves as late as 1830's (if you don't caunt me in

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    ). The peasants carved their property signs in the walls of the cave. The barons just signed. Fortunately they remembered to add also some dates. So we can maintain that these caves were known already in 1642 (see the numbers on the cave wall!). (River Svetupe - 'The Holy River' - near Kuikule)
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    This is what it looks like inside. The caves are tens of metres long. Still it's not pleasant to enter as they become narrower and narower and you catch yourself at being afraid to get stuck in some turning. Maybe it's just the darkness and people's fear of it.
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    Also this is Latvia. The good days are gone for rather many farms, mills, other buildings. Only the old landlords keep returning to the remains of what was once their beloved and fostered land. Well, there's not much ghosts can do... (Pale)

    The general truth in all the legends - no-one expects some extraordinary things to happen by day. Is it really the time of the dark forces to come out or it's just our fantasy running wild, when our senses are tired and blocked by the darkness. We consider darkness itself some evil. Is it? Just think of the owls - they live by night. And are regarded as symbols of wisdom by the ancient people. What role here is played by the darkness?


    some more
    http://sanctuary.yo.lv/Private010.jpg
    http://sanctuary.yo.lv/Private020.jpg
    http://sanctuary.yo.lv/Private024.jpg
    http://sanctuary.yo.lv/Private025.jpg
    http://sanctuary.yo.lv/Private023.jpg
    http://sanctuary.yo.lv/Private027.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2002
  15. odin Registered Senior Member

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    1,098
    57 Verities in one make!Work it out.

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    England has already been sending them up here.
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    You are part of the EU as we are so you should get your fair share
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    The only parties that would press for independance is SNP (Scottish National Party) and the SSP (Scottish Socialist Party)
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    Whish I could vote for them.

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    Scotland costs us so much money its beyond belief.
    We could get out of debut to the USA.

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  16. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    Why don't you start a Scotland thread

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    Adam started one for Australia

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  17. odin Registered Senior Member

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    Avatar

    Nice pics!
     
  18. Captain_Crunch Club Ninja Valued Senior Member

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    o.k, but noone will take any interest and scotland aint as interesting as Latvia. Also, the pictures dont load Avatar.

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  19. odin Registered Senior Member

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    Why don't you start a Scotland thread
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    Yes sorry about that Avatar.
    Its not worth the bother,he lives on a tiny little island & wants to make it into two countries.
    If he does I hope they take back all the Scots men from Ireland,then we will have no more bombs!as what the Irish call the English out there are really Scotts!

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  20. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    the pics don't load for me also

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    must be a bandwight restriction

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    I'll put them on another server

    edit- I hope the new provider doesn't notice huge bandwight overloads lol
    I hope they work now

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    Last edited: Aug 22, 2002
  21. Captain_Crunch Club Ninja Valued Senior Member

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    Cool photographs Avatar, i like the one of the caves, looks interesting.
     
  22. Thor "Pfft, Rebel scum!" Valued Senior Member

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    Avatar, first off, Thank You for replying. It has been very interesting so far. I have learn't alot from you. All I knew about Latvia before this is where it was and that it used to be part of the Soviet Union. Oh, and they beat Russias ass in hockey. GO LATVIA.
     
  23. Avatar smoking revolver Valued Senior Member

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    Nightlife

    Nightlife

    Riga is very quickly earning the reputation of the city with the most boisterous night life in the Baltics. However, just like in most large cities, it is best to stick to the centre if you`re on foot, but keep your windows closed and eyes pealed if you are driving. While the crime rate here is nothing exceptional, we must caution you not to tempt fate.
    Awesome new clubs continue to baffle us with their grandeur, the late scene is practically bubbling over with tempting discos, casinos and cabaret bars. Your head might feel (and in the less fortunate cases look) slightly akin to a discarded cymbal of an over-zealous drummer by the end of an eventful jaunt, but it`s well worth the experience! Here`s where we try to jato boost your nocturnal adventure and hurl you in the right direction!


    Nightlife / Adult entertainment

    Bingo
    [I live next door to it, but never been there actually lol,
    not my style]

    This dark, yet cosy club is just the right size and has absolutely nothing to do with the noisy game machines you will encounter on the ground floor. It`s hard to give Bingo a "name" - this is neither a strip-club, nor a disco, a restaurant or a cabaret, but a fine mixture of their best qualities. The cleverly balanced programme allows guests to dance to late 80s and 90s hits and new Russian pop and occasionally take "time-outs" to watch brief, but electrifying performances by sensual exotic dancers.
    Main location:

    48/50 Brivibas iela (D-6),
    tel. 728 05 27,
    21.00 - 05.00.



    Black Cat
    The Black Cat offers topless shows, live music, a restaurant, disco- music and a bar.

    Main location:

    2 Terbatas iela (D-6)
    (in Vernisaza complex),
    21.00 - 06.00.
    Casino open 14.00 - 06.00.


    Jockey Club
    Every night this grand club hosts some of the hottest super-shows in town with girls stunning enough to blow your socks right off! An absolutely voluptuous experience! Comfortable restaurant and a stylish bar are at your disposal, if you are still up to it.

    Main location:

    49 Elizabetes iela (D-6),
    tel. 722 88 44,
    20.00 - 06.00.


    Klubs 3
    The enchanting girls will keep you mesmerized all night long with their allure!

    Main location:

    22/24 Grecinieku iela (J-1/2),
    tel. 722 67 50,
    20.00 - 05.00.


    Mirage

    This night club is a perfect place to watch beautiful girls dance who will dance with you if you wish so. Topless show all night long and if you want more you can even order a private one. Friendly service and attentive manager who will solve all your problems.

    Main location:

    (in hotel Riga)
    22 Aspazijas bulv.,
    tel. 721 62 25,
    21.00 - 05.00;
    admission 5Ls.



    Sezams

    Non-stop girls and boys super show coupled with a casino and a bar in Arabian surroundings. Not quite Baghdad but the next best thing, you may need a cool shower afterwards!

    Main location:

    32 Caka iela (D-7),
    (Caka street is the red light street, you have to be careful there)
    tel. 728 87 81,
    20.00 - 04.00.


    Studio 69
    Excellent entertainment in this high-ceilinged night club. The club boasts great food and some 24 professional dancers for your pleasure. The scorching topless shows that take place every 20 minutes are likely to keep you sizzling in your seat `till the wee hours!

    Main location:

    96 Brivibas iela (C-8),
    21.00 - 06.00.
    Admission 5Ls.



    Nightlife / Music clubs




    Alcatraz (Pelican Pub)

    Who would have thought that one day people would be storming the doors to get in, huh? Just kidding, it`s not that crowdy yet - now is the time to make up your mind whether or not to add this club to your favourite hang-out list, as entrance for the time being is traditionally (like the original!) free of charge. The staff scurries about in prison wardrobe managing to remain cheerful whilst bidding their time. You can`t stay indifferent to the hazy graffiti paintings that adorn the walls of the dance hall, check out the Latvian biker in New York! A separate room for banquets and celebrations is available and a restaurant is also at your service. Live country, blues and rock`n`roll Fri and Sat.

    Main location:

    88 K. Barona iela (C-8),
    tel. 729 49 84,
    11.00 - 06.00.


    Austrumu Robeza (Eastern Border) (Kabata)

    This retro joint possesses an overwhelming personality, provocative or thrilling depends on your views, but one thing`s for sure - it hits you like a sledge! The scantly romantic atmosphere is complemented by the scrutinising stares of Hitler and eons of Russia`s prominent "tyrants", immortalised in polished brass busts supported by velvet cushions and set upon high pedestals around the tenebrous room. On the other hand, museum-going tourists will be delighted to learn that there is an alternative "war museum" to check out - try getting through Kabata`s "Eastern Boarder"! The military camouflage walls and ceiling, the omniscience of brainwashing Socialist slogans and the used MG rounds issued in the garderobe leave their mark on a peaceful mind. WWII documentaries, antique artefacts and a diverse menu make this club an educational, yet fun experience.

    Main location:

    8 Vagnera iela,
    tel. 781 42 02,
    08.30 - 24.00.


    Bluzs
    The Blues club has reopened in another location, find the entrance through cafe Lendora and go to the second floor.

    Main location:

    59/61 K. Barona iela,
    tel. 727 89 76,
    12.00 - last guest.
    Thr, Fri, Sat live music starting at 19.00.




    Brivie Vanagi (Free Hawks) - Pie Mazina
    [note- It's a bikers hangout]

    Some of the patrons have the wild "if-you-don`t-like-me-bite-me" attitude, which goes well with this joint`s leathery feel. It`s all right if you don`t ride, just don`t wear a suit or go tarnishing anyone else`s "horse of steel` and you`ll probably make it out unscathed and unbitten.

    Main location:

    35 Tallinas iela (B-8),
    tel. 227 52 15,
    10.00 - last guest.
    Closed Sun.
    Fri live music,
    Sat striptease from 23.00.



    Casablanca

    In the basement of the Moroccan restaurant you can also enjoy funky, jazzy, disco and house music. Programme: Wed - Jaffa Riga, Thr - Varka Crew, Fri - AG&Raitis, Sat - Toms&Zagga.
    Main location:

    1 Smilsu iela (H-2),
    08.00 - last guest.
    URL:
    www.casablanca.lv
    e-mail:
    sabine@casablanca.lv



    Cetri Balti Krekli - Literature & music club (4 White Shirts)
    [once some guys weren't let in because they were inapropriatery (sp) dressed]

    Named after a Latvian movie, which was banned in the Soviet era. Rising and well-known Latvian bands perform here live, but all music played in this joint is 500% Latvian. So if you have the tympanic fortitude and seek an unforgettable Latvian thrill, this is the place to be, if you are lucky enough to fit into the 10% of foreigners whom they admit, as the voice-control is tight - can you say "labvakar" without an accent?

    Main location:

    12 Vecpilsetas iela (J-3),
    tel. 721 38 85,
    12.00 - 02.00,
    Fri, Sat 12.00 - last guest.
    Admission 1-04Ls.


    Cita Opera (A Different Opera)

    This basement restaurant, pricey cocktail bar and disco are very popular with the Latvian and expat crowd. Karaoke on Wed from 21.00, some people have a little talent, for the rest, have a drink too many and bring your ear plugs! On other days, very good dance music every day from 21.00.

    Main location:

    21 Raina bulv. (E-6),
    tel. 722 07 70,
    from 12.00.


    DECO Bar
    One of the most "in" and sophisticated bars for the young, rich and beautiful. DJs play funky tunes on Friday and Saturday evenings, when it gets so crowded you can sometimes barely enter. See also Cafes and Bars.

    Main location:

    (in Berga Bazars)
    84/1 Dzirnavu iela (E-7),
    tel.728 92 41,
    11.00 - last guest.


    Depo

    To be opened in 16 March.
    Metro has closed, but don`t fall into despair. Guntis Vanags, one of the two owners of the Metro is going to continue the good traditions in a new, bigger venue with upgraded facilities such as improved ventilation and chill-out spaces. For those of you who prefer underground electronic music and jazz, serious house and techno - this is definitely going to be THE club.

    [up to date- it's open now and it's a great club. Industrial style design, cool]

    Main location:

    32 Valnu iela
    URL:
    www.klubsdepo.lv
    e-mail:
    depo@klubsdepo.lv



    Eddies Club
    This club situated in the former Vernisage is named after the manager Eddie Gee who has travelled from London to Riga to share some of his 27 years experience in the entertainment business. The idea of Eddie is to attract a more elite clientele than the former 15kW sound disco. For example, "The Majestic Lounge", situated on the upper level offers a snobby chill-out with the finest cognacs and brand quality cigars.


    Main location:

    2 Terbatas iela,
    tel. 709 24 00,
    Thr, Fri, Sat 20.00 –05.00.
    Admission strictly over 21`s. 3-5 Ls.



    Hamlets [boring to my mind]

    Inspired by Shakespeare`s play this club/theatre is run by the Latvian Actors` Association and presents a variety of shows and plays by a host of well-known actors, musicians and dancers. On Thr drama performances on political issues and themes are played. Every Mon, Fri and Sun evening from 21.00 until 23.30, the Swing Time Ensemble proudly present the Swing Time Jazz Club.

    Main location:

    5 Jana Seta (I-2),
    2nd floor,
    tel. 722 99 38,
    19.00 - last guest.



    Hollywood Star Disco

    Two-story dance bar with a 15m long bar and 25 TV screens hanging over it. Caged go-go girls are dancing for your entertainment. After trying the "1000$" cocktail - it`s actually 4Ls, so you can close your mouth again - watch the barmen perform their free-style show, swirling and spinning their glasses and shakers. Still not enough? OK, how about a Pamela Anderson cocktail to bring you in the mood? Hey, for only 5Ls she`ll be yours!

    Main location:

    2 Skolas iela (D-6), [don't venture further in skolas street from there. Although it's at the very centre , it's a bad idea to be at it's far/middle end after 10]
    tel. 724 22 89,
    Thr, Fri, Sat 21.00 - 06.00.
    Admission: 5Ls,
    free entrance on Thr and on Fri, Sat before 23.00.


    Kabata (The Pocket)

    This "Pocket" doesn`t slyly claim to contain the whole of Riga, but it is certainly teeming with the local Latvian youth. Kabata is a really cool place to meet friends for a fun night. Descend several levels into the cellars and head-bang with the local rock bands that play here on most evenings!

    Main location:
    19 Peldu iela (J-2),
    12.00 - 17.00, 18.00 - 05.00.

    Kalku Varti

    The downstairs club of this centrally located restaurant is actually a spacious wine cellar, uncovered whilst digging the fundaments for this new establishment. Enjoy Latvian rock and blues, performed live by Latvian bands, in a classy atmosphere.

    Main location:

    11 Kalku iela (I-2),
    tel. 722 45 76,
    20.00 - 01.00,
    Thr, Fri Sat 12.00 - 05.00.
    Closed Sun, Mon.
    Admission for people over 25: 3Ls.
    Free entrance Tue, Wed.


    Karakums

    Africa-inspired murals portray everything from mystical masks to funky cacti that are reminiscent of some spaced-out geckos on a good night. Drinks are cheap, so get ready for many a good night in this joint!

    Main location:

    18 Lacplesa iela (D-7),
    tel. 728 22 87,
    14.00 - last guest.



    Karaliskas Bites Bluza Klubs (Royal Bee Blues Club)

    New blues club where Riga`s best blues bands perform live. They are yet to get their prices right - they are in the wrong part of the Universe to be meddling with astronomical figures.

    Main location:

    34a Dzirnavu iela (C-6),
    12.00 - 01.00,
    Fri, Sat 12.00 - last guest.


    Saksofons (The Saxophone)
    [don't advice for forigners, you may get other prices and jokes like that]

    Saksofons` remodelled look comprises of a larger and brighter interior and an absurd piece of the "antique" Russian GAZ automobile sticking out of the wall. Various artistic talents give shows and performances here, the main attraction, however, still lies in the local bands that daily play funky live music (mainly rock flavoured). Mostly Russian speaking service, but the affable staff is usually willing to try a little "charade" with their "dumb" foreign customers!

    Main location:
    43 Stabu iela (D-7),
    tel. 731 28 54,
    12.00 - 02.00.




    Nightlife / Night clubs


    Dizzi House Music Club

    DIZZI House music club invites to a journey into the best of house and garage music delivered by the finest of local house djs Bogdan Taran, Crumar, DSP, Rudd, Display every friday, saturday and sunday, as well as massive drum` n` bass, jungle and breakbeat allnighters on thursdays featuring best local drum`n` bass djs courtesy of Bio.codes recordings, Varka crew, Jungle.lv, and others. The club itself represents a very friendly and happy atmosphere and has one of the best small-club sound systems in Latvia. The other features include a bar, a free drink for every visitor, regular video- art performances and all the way thru positive vibes.

    Main location:

    DIZZI House Music club
    Maarstalju str.10 (entrance from Alksnaja street)
    t. 7221902
    thursday-sunday 20:00-06:00


    La Rocca
    [many russians and very loud]

    The former Operetta theatre was revamped into a massive, contemporary dancehall featuring all the latest "screams" in laser and sound technology. If aggressive, mainstream dance music is your "thing" and you find go-go dancers an enticing allure, you will love La Rocca that has both of these "in Spades". In the evenings, certain local radio stations such as Mix FM often broadcast live from the disco. Check out the newest attraction: the Hear Rock Cafe, where local bands play live music.

    Main location:

    96 Brivibas iela (C-8),
    Fri, Sat, Sun 22.00 - 09.00.
    Admission 3-5Ls.


    M808

    Riga`s BEST DJs flock and spin their funky vibes here, rendering this joint its unique effervescent atmosphere. Fridays and Saturdays from 21.00, the best Latvian DJs bring you garage, house, techno, drum `n` bass industrial. Our only wish is for it to get bigger! Drinks are reasonably priced.

    Main location:

    5 Lacplesa iela (C-6),
    tel. 724 06 33,
    Fri - Sat, from 21.00.
    URL:
    m.808.lv


    Mirage

    This elegant night-club also boasts a casino and attracts mostly a mature opulent clientele. You can savour a fine meal while watching spicy shows (on Fridays and Saturdays from 24.00 until 01.00). Original art works and sculptures perfect the phantasm. Friendly service. Excellent place for lone gentlemen who wish to turn a new leaf, the attentive manager will gladly assist you in your quest. On weekends reservation advisable.

    Main location:

    (in hotel Riga)
    22 Aspazijas bulv. (I-3),
    tel. 721 62 25,
    19.00 - 05.00.
    Admission 5Ls.



    Nautilus

    The 12kW sound and coruscating lasers mounted over the dance- floor put a person standing inches away out of ear-shot, but don`t despair, a chill-out room and a comfy VIP-zone are at your disposal should you require a quiet spot. Nautilus is designed like a futuristic submarine and is mostly submerged under the chaotic waves of house, funk and other dance-compelling music. It is an aspiring house Mecca with DJs Vetroff, Taran and Smile leading the "sermon". Programme: Wed 22.00 - The day of all students. Admission 1-2Ls); Thr - Disco. Admission 1-2Ls, entrance for girls free until 23.00; Fri 22.00 - start of the weekend. The best brand new club music from all over the world. Admission 3-5Ls; Sat 22.00 - All Times Favourites. All night long, together with the new entries, listen to the best hits of the Club Era for the past 10 years. Admission 3- 5Ls; Sun 22.00 - Weekend Hits. The results of the club weekend. Admission 2Ls.

    Main location:

    8 Kungu iela (J-2),
    tel. 781 44 77,
    fax 781 44 66,
    22.00 - 08.00.
    Admission 1-5Ls,
    face and dress control.



    Pulkvedim neviens neraksta (Nobody writes to the Colonel)

    Definitely the place to visit! Named after Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel and artistically designed, this is a favourite and hippest hang- out for the alternative crowd. Music varies from punk to fusion and acid jazz. Check the programme at the entrance for an insight on the DJ`s demeanour. Programme: Tuesday nights - Pipe Dreamz (abstract vibes, deep house) Dj AG & Raitis +Varka Crew; Thr - underground punk rock live and ska by DJs; Fri - old school, alternative and ethnic music; Sat - ska, reggae.
    Admission Tue, Wed, Sat 1Ls, Fri 2Ls.

    Main location:

    26/28 Peldu iela (J-2),
    tel. 721 38 86,
    12.00 - 02.00,
    Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 12.00 - 05.00.



    Roxy

    The electrifying vibes of this sizzling night-club mostly draw posh party die-hards to the funk scene. Eurodance and Russian pop rule the dance floor; they are displaced by more tranquil rhythms in the wee hours.

    Main location:

    24 Kalku iela (I-2),
    tel. 722 40 41,
    23.00 - 06.00.
    Admission 5Ls.


    Slepenais Eksperiments (Secret Experiment)

    Industrial design: steel pipes and bare brick define the interior. Attracts an energetic horde of grinning bipeds known to the rest of the world as Latvian teenagers.

    Main location:

    15 Skunu iela
    (entrance from Amatu iela) (I-2),
    tel. 722 79 17,
    17.00 - 05.00.


    Voodoo

    Having survived yet another day of the city`s foul odours and heroically inhaled your share of CO and SO2 car emissions, why not throw a party for your lungs in the Baltics` first "Oxygen bar"? Get an O2 cocktail boost at the bar and now that you`re in the right frame of mind, welcome to the jungle, baby! A variegated Southern- Africa inspired interior featuring a myriad of masks and murals. The complex consists of: the Vodka bar - vending the exclusive Voodoo vodka; the Voodoo Tower Casino - the first theme casino of this kind, decked out in a specific style, in this case, Africa, that sports unique bamboo playing tables; the Voodoo disco - where techno is strictly outlawed and people chill out to 70s, 80s flowery funk and Latino vibes, expertly spun by the Irish ex-BBC radio DJ.
    Main location:

    (in Reval Hotel Latvija)
    55 Elizabetes iela (D-6).
    tel. 777 23 55
    Vodka bar 08.00 - 05.00;
    Casino 12.00 - 05.00,
    Disco 20.00 - 05.30.
    Closed Mon, Tue, Wed
    Admission 4-5Ls;
    Nightclub 20.00 - 05.30.
    Admission: 5Ls.
    URL:
    www.voodoo.lv
     

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