Count of May: festival of creativity and volunteering

For the fourteenth year in a row, the Cultural Society “Alternative Reality” together with volunteers from several European countries organised the annual multicultural festival “Count of May”. On the 18th of May in the centre of Riga in Ziedondarzs Park, the festival-carnival “Count of May 2024” took place, reviving Riga’s oldest holiday and dedicated to the welcoming of spring, unity and creativity. Many entertaining and informative events for children and adults were available to Riga citizens and city guests from morning until late in the evening. Thousands of citizens and guests of Riga witnessed the large-scale action created by enthusiasts and volunteers.

Originating 550 years ago, the Count of May Festival celebrates Riga’s rich history and includes many different events: musical and artistic performances, a costume contest, a fire show, master classes and activities for children and adults, and most importantly, a tournament for the title of Count of May. Today, ancient cultural traditions are combined with multicultural and modern carnival trends to create a unique festival in Riga, which is visited by more than 7,000 people every year.

In 2024, the festival focused on presenting the most diverse cultures and expressions of creativity that bring people together and make them truly masters of their craft. No matter how different we all are, we can find common ground and create harmony. Our diverse cultures, talents and imagination can help us enrich each other spiritually and emotionally.

The Count of May Festival has existed as a social volunteer project for more than 14 years. All parts of the festival are organised by volunteers from different countries, united by the cultural society “Alternative Reality”. Thanks to the European Solidarity Corps programme, young people from all over Europe have been involved in the organisation of the festival.

25 young people from Latvia, Hungary, Cyprus, Armenia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Latvia, Hungary, Cyprus, Armenia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Ukraine took part in the creation and preparation for the festival in 2024. They wanted to devote their efforts to organising a social cultural event that helps people to become kinder and more attentive to each other. All those who could be found at the festival locations, stage workers, festival hosts, security guards, attraction hosts, and those responsible for cleaning the square were volunteers who believed in the idea of the festival and decided to support it with their own efforts. Count of May is a festival of solidarity and volunteering, and we are proud that every year the festival gathers about 80 volunteers who are passionate about creating a common fairy tale.

Co-financed by the European Union. This publication reflects only the author’s views and opinions and not necessarily those of the European Union, the European Commission, or the National Agency (Jaunatnes starptautisko programmu aģentūra), which are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.