Saami music festival celebrates 2005

The theme of this summer’s Riddu Riddu Indigenous Music and Arts Festival is celebration.

“Celebration and joy have characterized the festival through all the years, and this is what we wish to accent this year by focusing on different ways to celebrate,” said organizer Lene Hansen.

The festival takes place the second weekend in July in Mandalen, a seaside community north of Tromsø, Norway.

This year’s program includes NoKTuRNAL from Australia, which presents hardcore aboriginal rock.

The program, which was announced this week, also includes, among others: Wa-Ta-Ga form Karelia, Alit Boazo (Sápmi), DJ Amoc (Sápmi), Sheng Xiang & Water 3 (Taiwan), Johanne Ballovarre, Namgar (Burjatia), Transjoik (Sápmi), Tungtvann, The Lite, Djiromansa (Senegal/Norway), The White Cockatoo (Australia), Cheinesh (Altay), Kevãz`vezi (Vepsian).

A Riddu Riddu International Football (Soccer) Cup is also on the program for the first time.

During the festival, the Saami youth organization Davvi Nuorra is holding its annual Indigenous Youth Camp.

The youth camp has been a part of Riddu Riddu for the last five years. At this camp, Saami and other indigenous youth have a unique opportunity to meet and exchange cultural skills and experiences.

Campers will also take part in the seminar “Youth and Celebrations,” offered as part of the general festival program.

IYC has room for 35 indigenous participants from all over the world. The deadline for applications is June 1. The fee for participation is 750 NOK (about $150), including food, accommodation, courses and a pass to the festival.

For more information, visit www.riddu.com.