Vai Latvijā ir pilsētas folklora?
Is There Urban Folklore in Latvia?

Summary/Abstract: The paper examines previous research and publications that have explored the concept of urban folklore as a potential component of Latvian folklore. A comprehensive review of the growing interest in urban traditions and texts suggests that in Latvia, fascination with city life dates back to the 1920s and 1930s; however, neither internationally nor within Latvian folklore has the urban environment been extensively researched. A shift in this perspective began to emerge in the 1970s, as international folklore researchers started showing interest in urban traditions, though it was not until the 1990s that Latvian folklorists re-entered the field of international folklore studies. This prompted several researchers, including Guntis Pakalns and Dace Bula, to focus more closely on urban environments, with some attention from the mass media as well. Subsequent research primarily focused on exploring urban legends in and around Riga. While a few internationally recognised urban legends have been registered in Latvia, they have not garnered significant and enduring interest, nor have they made a substantial impact on local cultural processes. Several research projects concentrated on the exploration of Riga and its surroundings, taking a broader approach by examining not only stories but also the everyday life, festivities, and traditions of urban areas. In summary, urban folklore in Latvia is primarily represented by a limited number of urban legends and research efforts aimed at documenting narratives and legends related to broader urban studies.

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