Abstract:

The infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has affected all aspects of human life. Due to COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdowns and other restrictions, the socio-cultural sphere has suffered enormously worldwide, especially in countries with high infection, hospitalisation, and mortality rates. If some countries brought their cultural space outdoors, in Latvia, after cancellations of various cultural events on the ground (face-to-face rehearsals, concerts, festivities), an attempt to swiftly shift the culture to a virtual space was made.
Based on the qualitative research data, the article aims to analyse the opinions of Latvia’s inhabitants on the dissemination of cultural memory through digital technologies and how changeable and repetitive limitations interfere with habitual celebration patterns. Among numerous smaller-scale activities, a major national event – the 12th Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival (postponed from 2020 to 2021) – was held in an unconventional semi-digital format considering epidemiological requirements. The article offers a retrospective and prospective view based on the data obtained from semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in February – April 2022 on the festivities celebrated in a pandemic environment, Latvian School Youth and Song and Dance Festival in particular. The obtained results have revealed that traditional formats are perceived as crucial to achieving the sustainability of collective memory and traditions. In contrast, the significance of celebrating festivities in an unconventional format lies in the possibility to fix a testimony of the epoch. Although both styles serve the purpose of affirmation of a unique tradition, the traditional format is mainly contextualised within broad inclusion, active participation, and genuine authenticity, whereas the digital/semi-digital – within experimentation and demonstrativeness.

Keywords:

Collective memory, festivity, traditions, Song and Dance Festival, digitalisation, Latvia.