Folk costumes – not just for the stage

Latvians in exile wore folk costumes not only on stage and at concerts and events, but also as formal attire for important occasions such as school and university graduations and weddings. Folk costumes were also one of the favourite garments of political demonstrators in exile – they were beautiful and colourful, distinctive and visible. They were worn at receptions, political visits, and multicultural exhibitions and festivals, thereby affirming and showing Latvian culture and history to the world.