27. June, 2026
On June 27 at 9:00 PM, Bauska Castle Museum invites visitors to the concert performance “The Pilgrim’s Story”, featuring the museum’s early dance group “Galms”, choirs from Bauska and Vecumnieki Schools of Music and Arts, as well as the early music ensemble “Trakula”.
Pilgrimage has always held deep spiritual significance – it is a journey in which a person affirms their faith, seeks a connection with the divine, or experiences enlightenment. In this performance, the early dance group “Galms”, together with like-minded collaborators, brings their pilgrim’s story to life through dance, uniting medieval and Renaissance traditions.
The inspiration for the concert performance is the legendary Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) – one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes of the late Middle Ages, leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It is believed that pilgrims could obtain a plenary indulgence, or remission of sins, by completing this journey. Legend tells that the remains of St. James were transported by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain, where they were buried in what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela.
The most recognizable symbol of the route – the scallop shell – was originally carried as a souvenir of the completed journey and reached destination, as naturally occurring shells of this shape are found in Spain. Over time, it became a universal symbol of pilgrimage.
The musical and choreographic production draws inspiration from two unique 13th- and 14th-century manuscripts – the “Llibre Vermell de Montserrat”, created so pilgrims could sing “pure and devout” songs and perform circle dances in church without disturbing prayer, and the “Cantigas de Santa Maria”, one of the largest collections of medieval songs, composed at the court of King Alfonso X of Castile and dedicated to the miracles and veneration of the Virgin Mary.
Local talents enrich the performance’s authentic atmosphere and historical soundscape – the choir of Vecumnieki School of Music and Arts and the choir of Bauska School of Music and Arts. Authentic instrumental accompaniment is provided by the early music ensemble “Trakula”, active since 2007, whose artistic inspiration also draws from the “Cantigas de Santa Maria” collection, where the simplicity of folk chant intertwines with the refinement of ancient melodies.
Visitors are warmly invited to experience this magical and meditative medieval journey.
Tickets can be purchased at the Bauska Castle Museum ticket office or reserved by phone at 63922280 or 20011880.