The Embassy of Latvia, in association with the National Folk Costume Center Sena klets, is organizing an exhibition of Latvian national costumes at Union Station, West Hall in Washington DC, in celebration of the 85th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Latvia and the United States. From 22 October to 10 November, the exhibition will introduce audiences to costumes representing all regions of Latvia, to the history, manufacturing process and unique details of the Latvian national costume. The display will feature 35 folk costumes from the Sena klets collection. Vaira Vike- Freiberga, former President of Latvia, will deliver an address at the opening ceremony on 23 October.
The exhibition of the Latvian national costume in Washington is a unique opportunity to showcase one of the most significant elements of Latvian heritage, thus promoting Latvia's name and rendering it more familiar also on the American continent. Every day, several thousand residents of Washington, and visitors from all over the U.S. and from foreign countries will have an opportunity to acquaint themselves with Latvian national costumes at the Union Station exhibition hall. The display will also provide wider information on Latvia in the world, on its culture and tourism opportunities.
The exhibit has been made possible by the financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia; the Riga City Council; the Ventspils museum; Liepajas metalurgs steel company; Latvia's Honorary Consuls Mr. John Medveckis of Pennsylvania; Mr. Karlis Steinmanis of Ohio, Mr. Ahmet Oren of New York, and Mr. Stephen Payne of Texas, as well as Rietumu banka and the Dutko Worldwide company.
Sena klets is the only national costume centre in Latvia which manufactures and offers for sale the folk dress of Latvia's regions as well as fabrics, scarves, shawls, mittens and gloves, socks, archaeological and ethnographic jewellery and various items and costumes of linen. The centre also provides vast informative material and advice on the Latvian national costume, as well as organises workshops and courses.
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