Riga Education, Culture & Sports | Riga City Council

Latvian Kokli Festival to Showcase Centuries of Musical Tradition

A unique musical event, the IV Kokli music festival “Kokli sounds in the winter glow” – “Dialog of four eras,” will be held in Riga, Latvia, on January 23, 2026, offering a captivating journey through the history of the kokle, a conventional Latvian plucked string instrument.

The annual festival promises an evening of enchanting performances, bringing together diverse ensembles to celebrate the enduring legacy of the kokle. This year’s iteration, titled “Dialogue of Four Eras,” suggests a thematic exploration of the instrument’s evolution and its place within Latvian cultural identity.

did you know? – The kokle is considered one of Latvia’s most critically important national symbols, representing the country’s rich folklore and musical heritage. Its origins trace back centuries, with variations found across Baltic nations.

A Lineup of Distinguished Performers

The festival will feature performances by several prominent Latvian musical groups. Attendees can expect to hear from the ensembles “Cantata,” “Sidrabs,” and “Zeltskariņi.” Notably, the program also includes a performance by an ensemble from the J. Mediņa Rīgas Mūzikas vsk. – a unique group comprised of cobblers, highlighting the kokle’s past connection to various crafts and communities.

This inclusion of the cobblers’ ensemble is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the kokle’s deep roots in Latvian folk culture and its accessibility beyond professional musical circles. It speaks to a tradition where music-making was interwoven with daily life and artisanal skills.

Pro tip – Tickets for the IV Kokli music festival are only 5.00 EUR, making it an affordable cultural experience. Purchase in advance to ensure entry, as seating might potentially be limited.

Accessibility and Event Details

The IV Kokli music festival will take place at Pils iela 18, Riga, LV-1050, beginning at 19:00 on January 23, 2026. Tickets are remarkably affordable, priced at just 5.00 EUR, making this cultural experience accessible to a wide audience.

For further details or to inquire about tickets, interested individuals can contact the organizers at Tel.: [phone]. The festival represents a valuable opportunity to experience the rich musical heritage of Latvia and witness the continued vibrancy of the kokle tradition.

This event is poised to be a highlight of the Latvian cultural calendar, offering a compelling “dialogue” between the past and present of this beloved instrument.

Why is this festival happening? The IV Kokli music festival,titled “Kokli sounds in the winter glow” – “Dialogue of four eras,” is being held to celebrate and showcase the history and enduring legacy of the kokle,Latvia’s traditional plucked string instrument. It aims to explore the instrument’s evolution and its importance within Latvian cultural identity.

Who is involved? The festival will feature performances from prominent Latvian musical groups including “cantata,” “Sidrabs,” and “Zeltskariņi.” A unique ensemble from the J. Mediņa Rīgas Mūzikas vsk., comprised of cobblers, will also perform, representing the kokle’s historical connection to various crafts.The event is organized by an unnamed entity reachable at Tel.: [phone].

What will happen at the festival? The festival will present an evening of performances demonstrating the kokle’s musical range and historical development. The program, themed “Dialogue of Four Eras,” will likely feature music representing different periods in the instrument’s history.

How did it end? As a future event scheduled for January 23, 2026, the festival has not yet concluded. Organizers anticipate it will conclude after the final performance that evening, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for Latvian musical heritage.