K-Suns (K-Dog) is an alternative cinema in Riga, which was opened in 2001 on Elizabetes street. By word alternative I mean that in this cinema you won't see any mainstream Hollywood movie.
Ленинград (Leningrad) is one of the most controversial places in town. It has Soviet name, but popular only among Latvians, who mostly hate everything what is related to Communism and the its age itself. All this affects very alternative atmosphere inside. The inside design is worth of separate photo. The writing Ленинград in Russian over the windows is almost invisible, because it is forbidden to name places in Russian Language in Latvia. And it is the only case I met Russian name of place in Riga.
Question to Western visitors, do you know what is the name of Leningrad city since 1991? :)
Bright Colours is the topic of regular Monthly theme and I was too late to take a good photo on time :) For a couple of days I couldn't find in Riga anything brighter than Piena Svetki (Milk Fest), which was held on 1st of August in area next to Piens club. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.
In the past Salamandra club was the famous Drum and Bass and other electronic music nightclub in Riga. Salamandra was opened in 2003 in the former industrial area. Since 2008 the club is relegated to oblivion. Many electronic music artists like Future Prophecies, Pendulum and Raiden were guests DJs in Salamandra during these 5 years. I must admit that Salamandra also had reputation of the place for drug abused people.
Nightclub Piens (Milk) is famous for its bohemian public and very friendly atmosphere. Although it is quite difficult to get into the club. Bouncer must know you, otherwise there is no way in. Luckily there is next door Kefirs club, which has no such strict rules to enter.
I've heard many drastic stories about this place, but I never knew that it is located in the very center on Matisa iela. Purvs (Mire) is a nightclub for sexual minorities, mostly for lesbians and gays. Purvs with its dark room has the reputation of the most lecherous place in Riga.
Rammstein concert is being held today in Arena Riga. An unique show was performed by world famous Band originally coming from East Germany. Rammstein become successful for its sharp and aggressive lyrics. Despite Rammstein is mainstream now, it still could be considered as alternative music.
Today is Friday, so why not just take a seat on freedom street right in front of hotel Latvia and have some smoke and drink with old buddy? Sometimes when I see such "free from everything" people, I get really curious - what do they have in their minds?
Septītās dienas Adventistu Baznīca (Seventh-day Adventist Church) is another relatively new religion represented in Latvia. Around 50 churches and 4000 church members make Adventists' religion the 7th largest in country.
Jehovas liecinieku valstības zāle or Зал Царства Свидетелей Иеговы (Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall) is another alternative Christian movement, which reached Latvia last years. Despite that this religion is banned in many countries and given as sect, there are more than 2000 members in Latvia. Interesting that Michael Jackson was born a Jehovah's Witness, but they force him to leave church after his profane art. This fact proves that "publishers" have very strong morals and principles. Check also other alternative and minor religious movements seen in Riga.
Mazā Monētu iela (Little Coin street) is one of the most famous streets among students in Riga. Two the most cheapest places are located here - La Belle Epoque (aka French Bar) and recently opened Celsijs. Ultra low prices in both places make the street wet from the spilled beer (literally :)). During rush hours (the middle of the night) it is impossible to get through the street. Hundreds of students, alternative people, bums and foreigners gather here. It is unique place because it is not forbidden to travel with the same glass of beer from one place to another one.
Cuba is the bar where you can listen to Caribbean or more general Latin music, dance salsa and watch live black and white TV from Cuba. Cuba Bar is very famous for unique atmosphere, good cocktails and open-minded people coming here. Usually on Fridays and Saturdays it is full of people, but it is great to have a party in such overcrowded conditions.
Bakery is an untypical club/bar located on Bruninieku iela 73. Electronic music of all kinds could be heard here. Incredible friendly atmosphere, low prices and family design makes this place looking tempting to be visited. It seems that everybody knows each other here, but in fact almost all people came here by chance. Bar menu is unprecedented for Riga. It includes even some drugs, which are not forbidden in Riga yet. Just have a look at this girlish mirror with teddy bears next to toilet :)
About 150 people in Riga are members of the Hare Krishna movement, related to Hinduism religion. They are famous because their loud singing on the streets and other public places. I've caught this Hare Krishna group on Terbatas street.
Muzeju nakts (Museum Night) is annual international event, which is being held in many cities worldwide. Riga is taking part in this event several years in a row. Tens of museums and galleries keep their doors open for one night. Tens of thousands people pour out into the city and night Riga looks very lively. I've visited several quite alternative museums during the night and all of them were boring nearly tasteless. Which is your favourite museum in Riga, or which would you recommend to visit?
Andrejsala (Andrew's Island) is a neighborhood in Riga next to Center and Petersala. Andrejsala always was a harbour and industrial area of Riga. Nowadays here gather a lot of alternative young people. This area is very famous for its graffiti walls :)
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