Magic sand conquers Riga

RIGA - It is an ordinary preconception that sand is usually found just at the beach. Mainly it is so, but it is possible to find interesting exceptions, like finding sand on the streets of big cities. In such cases the use of sand also differs – it is used to create art! Riga’s AB dambis spit of land in front of the Radisson hotel welcomes the “Magic Sand Riga” festival, which opens on June 19 and lasts all summer long.

This is not the first time when Latvia sees these sand sculptures. In July, such sculptures will excite people in the city of Jelgava for the fifth year. The most popular Latvian resort city, Jurmala, has also been showcasing sand statues since 2007. Both events have gained international recognition and the public’s unceasing interest, as these festivals are always crowded with people, proving the stability of this entertaining art.

There are other cities which make sand festivals as their tradition as well. In 2008, celebrating the 90th anniversary of Latvia’s independence, a unique sand sculpture in Liepaja was created to reflect the battle of Durbe in the 13th century, when the Couronians joined forces with the Lithuanians and defeated the crusaders.

Thus, it can be said that the sand sculptures have become some sort of educative tool in the social, cultural and even economic awareness. However, despite the success of this art in other regions of Latvia, the sand has actually never come to the capital. With “Magic Sand Riga” this empty space will be filled. The territory of the AB dambis will change into a sand park from June 19 to Sept. 12, and all visitors will be invited to feel the energy of the wonders. ‘Believe it or not’ is the motto of the festival, and, obviously, in the forthcoming months this line will become just as famous as the name of the song ‘Tici vai ne,’ which is the Latvian translation of the motto. “Magic Sand Riga” is a challenge to test the strength of the material and explore its flexibility. Twelve professional sculptors from all over the world will convey their mastery to the audience, which will evaluate details, shapes and themes. Even more, visitors will want the sculptures to portray the intensity of their emotions and build stories they can relate to.

“This summer we invite everybody to be creative and develop their talents in the inspiring place of AB dambis in the center of turbulent Riga,” says Reinis Druvietis, the producer of the festival. Indeed, next to the professional artistic pieces anyone will be able to make one of their own. All that is going to be needed will be the wish to try something new. Thus, in the creative workshop “Magic Sand Games,” every visitor individually, or with the help of professionals, will sculpt a completely unprecedented sand monument. For a portion of the inspiration, all prospective visitors can easily come to AB dambis from June 17, when sculptors start their work; hence, there is a possibility to assess the whole process from the very beginning.
Another significant aspect of “Magic Sand Riga” is that the festival as a pilot project heralds Riga in its role of the capital of culture in 2014, when the biggest European sand box will appear here. But, probably, at this point in the time, the sand festival is a perfect way to spend some of the holidays together with the family. It seems that finally, Riga city has waited its turn to have the sand sculptures in its streets, and that is obviously one of the most important events of this summer.

Is there another motive to attend this festival? There is, if we pay attention to the fact that these sculptures are not ever-lasting. They are fragile, and that makes them even more fascinating. This kind of art conforms to nature, and being a part of it is like a celebration.