Contribution short abstract:

This paper will examine the impact of revitalizing traditional culture that was made by the Latvian folklore ensemble ''Mičotāji'' during their world tour in Latvian culture centres in the 1970s

Contribution long abstract:

In the 1970s, while Latvia was under Soviet occupation, one of the most essential Latvian culture centres in exile - Münster Latvian Gymnasium (MLG) started to lack finances and students. One of the initiatives for fundraising became an outstanding example of folklore revitalization. It was ''Mičotāji'' (''The Cappers''), a folklore ensemble formed by the gymnasium's students who developed a performance based on traditional Latvian wedding rituals and music. It gained outstanding popularity, and the group was invited to perform in various Latvian centres in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. It did not only help to raise the funds necessary for the MLG to continue its work but also created interest in the younger generation in folklore. According to interviews with the participants and spectators of the performances, it left a positive impact on learning traditional music and even implementing Latvian rituals in their weddings. ''Mičotāji'' also strengthen the international network of Latvians in the Western world.

Along with examining the impact the ensemble ''Mičotāji'' made on the Latvian youth in the 1970s, developing a broader interest in folklore as an engaging activity, in this paper, the author will analyze what Western exile folklorists have written about wedding rituals during the Soviet occupation and discover the sources used in the creation of the ''Mičotāji'' ensemble's production.