Importance in Community Life

The guests of Nīca regularly admit traditions there permeate the air. The locals perceive the daily practice of local traditions and festivities as a natural part of life, as the cultural space is formed by a diverse set of interconnected intangible cultural heritage units. Through their planning documentation and support of the activities of the cultural centre, the current local government has ensured the maintenance of Nīca cultural space elements and has facilitated the opportunities to understand and inherit them. It supports the activities of local amateur art groups, including the purchase of traditional folk costumes. Men's and women's choirs, and dance collectives perform in Nīca folk costumes. In the former Nīca region, each year, newborns in the Nīca and Otaņķi parishes, as well as the Citizen of the Year and the Honorary Citizen were gifted the traditional“Burbuļsakta” brooch – to serve as the basis of their future folk costume, which will be completed during their lifetime. And even now, after joining the Dienvidkurzeme municipality, celebrated citizens of the Nīca and Otaņķi parishes are given the Burbuļsakta. Work on amateur collective support and development also continues. A special unit in the Cultural council has been established for work with traditional cultural heritage.
The Nīca Ethnographic Ensemble celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. The Otaņķi Ethnographic Ensemble has also been highly recognised on an international level, being named the best in the Kurzeme region and sharing first place nationally at the "Baltica 2022" folklore festival. The Nīca and Otaņķi Heritage collections not only preserve artefacts donated by residents but also conduct in-depth local research. For example, only at the Nīca Heritage collection one can digitally explore their family tree for free, often tracing it back to the 17th century. Meanwhile, the Otaņķi Heritage collection has, for the past two school years, introduced first-grade students to cultural heritage through the "Antique artefact of the Week" activity, led by a genuine Nīca maiden. Since the 1960s, the Nīca dialect has had its own dedicated researcher, philologist Brigita Bušmane, and work on a digital dictionary of the Nīca dialect is currently underway. The residents of Nīca and Otaņķi are proud of their cultural and historical heritage, feel a strong connection to it, wish to preserve it, and often, even subconsciously, pass it on to future generations in their daily lives.

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Activities/Actions

The Nīca cultural space is composed of a set of values of several intangible cultural heritage.
1. The Nīca traditional folk costume, its crafting skills, and the tradition of wearing it. The folk costumes of Nīca and Otaņķi are visually very similar (Otaņķi Parish was only artificially separated from Nīca in 1949), yet each is unique due to differences in patterns. Today, local amateur collectives, including folklore ensembles, regularly wear these folk costumes for performances. Occasionally, individuals also wear them for special events, such as at the Nīca celebration parade; during the visit and reception of the President of Latvia at Nīca; for the "Folk Costume Parade" organised by the "Senā Klēts" Folk Costume Centre; traditional events at the old homestead "Galdnieki" in Pērkone; and at the heritage collections of both parishes. The Nīca folk costume is also regularly worn to represent Nīca and Otaņķi parishes at cultural and tourism events. Community members are happy to entrust their inherited costumes to the two heritage collections, though around 150 households have been identified where families carefully preserve or have crafted anew the Nīca folk costume or some of its components.


2. The Nīca dialect, part of the Lejaskurzeme dialect group, has a distinctive pronunciation style (for example, the use of a broad "e"; diminutives of nouns and adjectives in Nīca ending in "-īns," "-īna" instead of "-iņš," "-iņa," such as māmīna, meitīna, maģīns, vīrīns, labīns, bērnīns; in past tense verbs, an old ending "-e" is preserved, like kave for kāva (struck), deve for deva (gave), and nāce for nāca (came); multi-syllable verbs with an "-ot" ending in the past change to "-ava," as in “Zvejnieki jūrmalā ilgi rēkava un prātava, ko darīt: iet jūrā, vai nē, bet kad daži galvava un beidzot pat nobalsava, ka vētras nebūs, tad gāja jūrā un zvejava”; in reflexive verbs, double reflexive pronouns appear, one at the end of the word and another between the prefix and the verb itself, like "dadzis piesakārās pie drēbēm" and "šī skuķe ir dikti pasalaidusēs”; nouns and adjectives also feature the instrumental case ending "-is," such as in "Mīļis vārdis tautu dēls / Noņem manu vainadzīnu[..]," "Puisis dodas lielis soļis," "Viņš ir rītis, ir vakaris pie darba," "Kaimiņš atbrauca ar dižis zirgis"; a broken intonation, for instance, instead of saying "Nīca" with a drawn-out "ī," it's pronounced Nī-ca with a short emphasis, as if "broken" in two, and within sentences as well: "Viņš vilka atspēries," where "at-spēries" is split with a slight pause) and vocabulary (including regional words such as knausis (gnat), āzbars (groats), dātali (gifts), bambalis (beetle), subine (backside), bruzda (noise), pumpas (buttons), čapatāt (to walk), apguģināt (to cover), bīstāklis (stick for stirring coal in the stove), pakacēt (to hand or pass), naģe (frog), ķirmēt (to pine away), ķocis (basket), skutuls (bowl), rācenis (potato), smakaris (chin), ķenkles (thighs), dzievāt (to work and live), čekls (diligent and beautiful)). The Nīca dialect is still actively spoken among many residents of Nīca and Otaņķi, with the younger generation also inheriting it.

The polyphonic singing of Nīca, especially the "long call" followed by the "leitis," is notable. Drone singing (burdons) is primarily found in seasonal celebration and family tradition songs and is connected with transitional rituals (such as wedding songs with sung exchanges or "apdziedāšanās"). The diversity of melodies unique to Nīca has been preserved to this day through direct oral transmission—by singing in families and in ethnographic ensembles. Locals still remember that after finishing each major task, the long call had to be sung, immediately followed by a variation of the "leitis." Today, the singing style characteristic of the Nīca area is mainly heard in performances by the Nīca and Otaņķi ethnographic ensembles and at various public events.

4. Folklore recorded in Nīca and its surroundings includes beliefs, legends, and games, such as funeral games like "Zvejnieku amats" and "Sieviņ' brauca mežā, vīrs palika mājās." Among beliefs, there is a tradition that a child’s lost baby tooth should be thrown onto the stove while saying, "Še, pelīte, piena zobs, atnes manu kaula zobu!“ (Here, little mouse, a baby tooth, bring me my bone tooth!) Another belief holds that if a girl eats the knipselis (ends of bread loaves), she will marry the son of a landowner. If a girl steps into her skirt instead of pulling it over her head, she won’t find a husband. In early summer, after hearing the first thunderstorm, one can sit on the ground; after the second thunderstorm, lie down; and after the third, go swimming. On the first herding day in spring, if the entire household, including the shepherd, sprinkle one another with water, the shepherd will stay alert while herding, and the animals won’t stray into crops. Masking and mummery during February brings blessings, fertility, and prosperity to both the house visited and even more to one's own home. Among popular legends are those about the origins of the colors in the Nīca, Bārta, and Rucava folk costumes, and about the coastal dunes of Jūrmalciems, Pūsēni Hill and Ķupu Hill. Proverbs and sayings still in use include: "Tas vēl nav zvanīts [kuros kapos glabās]"(“It hasn’t yet been rung [in which cemetery they’ll bury]”) to mean a decision is not final; "Tā kā bīstāklis pa kājām"(“Like a coal poker in the way,”) if something is positioned inconveniently; and "Izplēties kā ciekurzis [uz mūrīša]" (“Spread out like a pinecone [on the hearthstone]”) (from Jūrmalciems), among others.

4. Folklore recorded in Nīca and its surroundings includes beliefs, legends, and games, such as funeral games like "Zvejnieku amats" and "Sieviņ' brauca mežā, vīrs palika mājās." Among beliefs, there is a tradition that a child’s lost baby tooth should be thrown onto the stove while saying, "Še, pelīte, piena zobs, atnes manu kaula zobu!“ (Here, little mouse, a baby tooth, bring me my bone tooth!) Another belief holds that if a girl eats the knipselis (ends of bread loaves), she will marry the son of a landowner. If a girl steps into her skirt instead of pulling it over her head, she won’t find a husband. In early summer, after hearing the first thunder, one can sit on the ground; after the second thunder, lie down; and after the third, go swimming. On the first herding day in spring, if the entire household, including the shepherd, sprinkles each other with water, the shepherd will stay alert while herding, and the animals won’t stray into crops. Masking and mummery during February brings blessings, fertility, and prosperity to both the house visited and even more to one's own home. Among popular legends are those about the origins of the colors in the Nīca, Bārta, and Rucava folk costumes, and about the coastal dunes of Jūrmalciems, Pūsēni Hill and Ķupu Hill. Proverbs and sayings still in use include: "Tas vēl nav zvanīts [kuros kapos glabās]"(“It hasn’t yet been rung [in which cemetery they’ll bury]”) to mean a decision is not final; "Tā kā bīstāklis pa kājām"(“Like a coal poker in the way,”) if something is positioned inconveniently; and "Izplēties kā ciekurzis [uz mūrīša]" (“Spread out like a pinecone [on the hearthstone]”) (from Jūrmalciems), among others.

5. Craft and lifestyle traditions in Nīca and its surroundings are rooted in an age-old homestead lifestyle and the use of local natural resources, which have shaped successive communities of both farmers and coastal fishermen. These traditions are still observed today. The beginning and end of the work season are marked, and communal work gatherings are organized. Each year during the "Buls" period (the off-season for fishing in July, when the weather is hot and fish are in deeper waters), we celebrate Fishermen’s Festival in Jūrmalciems. In homesteads that keep cows, people sprinkle water on one another on the first herding day of spring. For farmers and livestock keepers, the protection and health of crops and animals remain important, so with the new farming year in February, households happily welcome masked visitors (ķekatnieki) to bring blessings. After completing a major task like harvesting potatoes, the elders encourage the younger ones to call out the long call, followed by a larger feast.

6. Festivity traditions. Among the most characteristic seasonal celebrations in the Nīca area are Jāņi (Midsummer) and Meteņi, or mummery on the eve of Ash Wednesday, usually in February, marking the beginning of the agricultural year. Family ceremonies are still celebrated, including christenings (formerly called "krustabas, now "kristības"), weddings, and funerals, each with its own specific sequence of events (ritual actions, songs, melodies, etc.) and unique attributes (such as offering gloves, funeral gloves and blankets, and special musical instruments like the "ērkulis" and others).

7. The culinary heritage of Nīca. In Nīca, homemakers still make firm cloth-bound cheese from skim milk for Jāņi, with "nine corners" (creases from the cheese cloth) and a raised center intended for Jānis himself. Some households also continue to bake rye bread, fine-rye bread, various rauši (sheet cakes), and kāršelis (a flatbread made from rye dough with a topping: usually a mixture like sugar and cream or herring or meat ("speķis" and salt) and baked in the bread oven before the main bread is baked) as well as "pīlīte" (a small bread loaf with meat). Sklandrauši, skābputra, and white butter—called leitis in this region—are also popular dishes among the people of Nīca. Additionally, homemakers often prepare snacks from rye flour called spiras.

More information on each of the aforementioned Nīca cultural space traditions can be seen here: https://nicaskulturtelpa.mozellosite.com/

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Beliefs, Rituals, Unwritten Rules

In the cultural space of Nīca, there are unwritten yet strict rules for assembling and wearing traditional folk costumes. These guidelines have been passed down orally by older women, often members of ethnographic ensembles, to future generations. These rules are also well-known and promoted by staff at the Nīca and Otaņķi heritage collections—local residents themselves. Leaders of community arts groups are actively interested in and practice these traditions. A few examples of these rules include: the Nīca crown is worn only by a young woman who is ready for marriage, up until her wedding; afterward, she wears a scarf (drānele) or a cap (a crown cap or bonnet).; the villāne (large shawl) and pamuve (skirt) must fit snugly at the waist and should not hang loosely; the villāne is never worn for dancing, as it is considered outerwear; the folk costume must be worn publicly in its full set (for example, one should not wear only the skirt (lindruks) without the vest (burste), or similar combinations); hair must always be neatly gathered; if wearing a crown, hair should be braided in a classic three-strand braid with a red or green ribbon that hangs loosely, without decorative tying; the skirt (lindruks) should reach mid-calf, so the beautiful stockings (caurlielenes) are visible; brooches should not be pinned lower than the chest. when creating the costume and accessories, specific patterns and color combinations must be observed, yet items should not be identical: there must be variation in patterns or their arrangement, especially in the designs of skirts, shirts, shoulder straps, and ceremonial handkerchiefs (nēzdaugi).

2. When finishing up an important task, the garais sauciens ("long call") is always sung. It is always followed by "leitis". This is observed by the participants of both ethnographic ensembles when performing and representing the Nīca ethnographic area.

3. On the eve of Ash Wednesday, people should do mummery (ķekatas) to ensure luck and fertility, while also bringing it to the residents of the visited houses. Nowadays, only the members of the Otaņķi ethnographic ensemble go on ķekatas, but they visit local residents outside the collective and are welcomed warmly.

4. On Jāņi (midsummer), the owners of homesteads who welcome jāņabērni (midsummer guests), decorate corners of their rooms with "meijas" (young birch trees), which are then formed into sauna whisks that remain green and firm and do not shed leaves for a long time; they craft and burn a "pūdele" (a fire-wood filled barrel on the top of a pole); traditional foods like caraway cheese, flatcakes, beer are served; a big bonfire is made and the young people stay up waiting for sunrise.

5. On Easter, the family cooks eggs in onion peel and other natural materials; at sunrise, they wash their faces in running water; egg battles are held; people swing in swings.

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Inheritance and Transfer

The elements of the Nīca cultural space are passed on primarily within the family, followed by relatives, neighbors, and friends. Local municipalities and educational institutions also bring the Nīca cultural space to life and keep it relevant from a young age—at the “Spārīte” preschool in Nīca, its branch in Rude of the Otanķi parish, and the former Rude Primary School, which was closed in 2020 after 145 years of active service. Additionally, Nīca Secondary School has graduated a number of well-prepared students over its more than 80-year history.
The municipality provides creative collectives, including both ethnographic ensembles, with rehearsal spaces and well-equipped, modern cultural venues, where they can delight both local residents and guests during concerts and other events. Additionally, it covers transportation, catering, and accommodation costs while representing the Nīca cultural space at national and international levels. The Otanķi ethnographic ensemble practices the transmission of folklore inherited from parents and grandparents during concert discussions. The Nīca ethnographic ensemble visits educational institutions with games and stories in accordance with seasonal celebrations. Participation in at least one ethnographic ensemble ensures the regular and meaningful use of ancient practices, fostering an understanding of their application and inheritance.
Going on ķekatas is practiced only by the Otaņķi Ethnographic Ensemble in collaboration with the local inhabitants, who are still closely familiar with the tradition and welcome the ķekatas parade.
The Nīca and Otanķi Heritage collections have prepared a comprehensive and extensive collection for each aspect of the Nīca cultural space, which continues to be researched and enriched in collaboration with the older residents of Nīca and their families. Requests for new research topics come from residents who have recently purchased or inherited property in the Nīca region (such as the history of houses, door designs, well designs in Nīca, etc.).
The future Crafts House at the Otanķi Heritage collection is responsible for the inheritance of the Nīca folk costume and its accessories. This is also carried out by the group of crafters "Vēlziedes" and individual artisans. The Otanķi community center plans to digitize culinary heritage.
Agricultural and coastal fishing skills, as well as culinary heritage, are passed down from generation to generation within families, particularly in the region’s large farming homesteads. The municipality, in collaboration with industry associations, organizes filming of work processes and interviews.
More information: Supplementary materials.

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History

Before the establishment of the Latvian state, Nīca was referred to in official documents as Niederbartau, as well as Nīce and Nīcava. The name Nīca reflects the geographical characteristics of the area—it is located in the low-lying coastal plain at the lower reaches of the Bārta River. The first topographic map to feature Niederbartau (Lower Bārta) was printed in 1560. Meanwhile, excavations of the Curonian burial mounds in Nīca indicate that the area was inhabited as early as the 10th to 12th centuries. The coastal area, specifically the village of Paipi (Pemis, Peynis) and the vicinity of the Virga cemetery in modern-day Jūrmalciems, is mentioned in a document from July 20, 1253, issued in Kuldīga regarding Duvzare, which at that time included the territory of present-day Nīca. Overall, historical sources indicate that the Baltic Sea coast up to the Venta and Abava rivers is noted as the entry point for the Balts into modern-day Latvia around 2500–2000 B.C.

A significant role in the study of the Nīca dialect was played by the German-Latvian linguist Jānis (Johann) Langijs (1615 (?) – 1690 (?)), who served as the assistant pastor in Nīca and Bārta. In the late 17th century, Langijs compiled a Latvian-German dictionary with a brief Latvian grammar included as an appendix.
The first publications of Nīca folk songs can be found in the collection "Latvian Folk Songs and Chants," compiled by G. F. Bitner (Jelgava, 1844), which includes 21 folk songs recorded in Nīca. Subsequent publications relate to 764 songs recorded in Nīca (covering the territory of modern-day Nīca and Otaņķi parishes). Some of these were submitted by the Nīca teacher M. Spriņģis (364). These more than 700 songs were included in "Latvju dainas," compiled by Krišjānis Barons and Henrijs Visendorfs, which were published from 1894 to 1915 in Jelgava and Petrograd.
The 16th and 19th volumes of the Riga Latvian Society's Knowledge Commission (1929) contain information about weddings, baptisms, seasonal celebrations, and gatherings in Nīca. The authors of these works are Ignāts Bierands, Kārlis Lielozols, and Margrieta Ignāte. A systematic collection of songs heard in Nīca took place in the second quarter of the 19th century. The Folklore Department of the University of Latvia's Institute of Literature, Folklore, and Art holds over 23,000 variants of folk songs heard or recorded in Nīca.
Around 1970, philologist Brigita Bušmane began researching the Nīca dialect and, in collaboration with local speakers and teachers, published the book "Nīcas izloksne" ("Nīca Dialect") in 1989.

In Nīca, every gathering of people during celebrations is associated with singing, which is why the formation of the Nīca ethnographic ensemble is noted around the year 1920. In 1953, the collective was tasked with preparing an ethnographic performance titled "Latvian Weddings in Nīca," intended to be presented at the Latvian Arts and Literature Decade in Moscow in 1955. The collective, consisting of 70 members, fulfilled its task with great success. All participants received awards.
The Otanķi ethnographic ensemble was established in 1964 to honor the retirement of the senior members of the "Zelta Zvaigzne" kolhoz. Under the leadership of Rasma Atteka (née Ignāte), the director of Rude School, and Reinholds Jansons, the then-leader of the Nīca ethnographic ensemble and a teacher at Nīca seven-year school, local women decided to stage "Nīca Weddings." Since there was barely enough space in the club for the honorees at the time, the performance was shown multiple times—both to other local residents and in neighboring parishes and towns.

The Nīca Local History Center and Heritage Collection was established in 2010, although prior to that, it was possible to explore the private collection of its director, "The Antiquities of Jūrmalciems."
In addition to the diverse costumes and tools from Nīca, photographs, and life stories, Gita Vanaga's greatest achievement is the compilation, digitization, and continuous enhancement of the Nīca family trees (in collaboration with the residents of Nīca themselves).
The Otanķi Heritage collection was established in 2001, thanks to the creation of the Rude School Museum, when local residents shared photographs and items that were not related to the school. The collection houses folk costumes, household items, ancient tools, and even horse tack. The Otanķi Heritage collection and its volunteers actively engage on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, promoting the ancient traditions of Nīca throughout Latvia.

Agriculture remains the primary livelihood for the residents of the Nīca and Otanķi parishes, often serving as an additional source of income alongside jobs in state and municipal institutions, as well as in companies in Liepāja or Grobiņa. Coastal fishing is still relevant and appreciated, although it is practiced by fewer people, with the downside being that it is a seasonal occupation. Residents continue to inherit craftsmanship skills, such as those of blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, basket makers, and knitters. Several skills and trades are practiced for recreational or tourism purposes, such as the recently essential and invaluable role of a smith and horse husbandry.

The Nīca folk costume is no longer worn every Sunday to church or at weddings; however, it is regularly worn by local creative collectives of all ages representing their parish, as well as by individual nominees, their congratulators, and award presenters during the annual events honoring the residents of Nīca and Otanķi, at traditional events, special family celebrations, and when hosting distant or esteemed guests. Both the ancestral costumes and those newly made and assembled hold high aesthetic value. The Nīca Tourism Information Center of the South Kurzeme Municipality uses the Nīca folk costume in visual and video materials as well as printed works. When representing Nīca or Otanķi, it is an integral part of the story, just like songs, local bread, and cheese, as well as traditions.

The Nīca dialect and local dialect words can still be heard in nearly every household and they also quickly "stick" to newcomers from other areas.

The Nīca long call and the "leitis" can be heard during the rehearsals and concerts of the Nīca and Otanķi ethnographic ensembles, sometimes among the local people in "song battles". A generational change is gradually taking place within the ethnographic ensembles, but during concert conversations, the local audience and potential new members are still always slightly "trained," and they do recognize the genre's terms and melodies. Every year, an event called "Dienvidkurzemes daudzbalsības daudzinājums" is organized, where the inheritors of this tradition—the Nīca, Otanķi, and Bārta ethnographic ensembles—each take turns hosting. By attending lectures from ethnomusicologists, they enhance their skills and familiarize themselves with the uniqueness of the region and the local variations of songs during concerts.

Overall, it can be said that today the traditions of Nīca (such as the dialect, wearing folk costumes, etc.) shape the identity and self-esteem of the local people, reinforcing their sense of belonging to the Nīca cultural space. On the other hand, local traditions are utilized in the representation of the area—through tourism, events, and so on—which in turn strengthens the identity of the place and builds its recognition.

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Additional Information

It is known that the Nīca folk costume is one of the most popular folk costumes made and worn among Latvian expatriates worldwide. On the wedding day of Queen Elizabeth II of England, November 20, 1947, Kārlis Zariņš, a representative and envoy of the Latvian government in exile, presented her with a wedding gift on behalf of Latvia—a complete set of the Nīca folk costume.

The Nīca heritage has also been a source of inspiration for creative works.

In music: Composer Raimonds Pauls' choir songs (2016) - NĪCAS DZIEDĀTĀJAS PIRTNIEKU MĀTES PIEMIŅAI (Imants Ziedonis) which is a poem by Imants Ziedonis from the poem collection "Caurvējš" (1975) https://koris.lv/rozes-gars/
This in turn resulted from the friendship with the Otaņķi ethnographic ensemble and the local population.

In education, tourism: the Nīca municipality tourism center created an ethnographically accurate paper doll - Nīca girl, and added the local garment names to the clothing (lindruks, burste, vaiņags etc.)
http://www.papiralelles.lv/kolekcijas/lelles-latvijas-novadu-tautasterpos/pr/ieva-no-nicas-novada.html

Wake up, interior design:
* The Karelsshop.com also sells silk scarves with a printed copy of the pattern of the ethnographic gloves of Nīca;
* Latvijastekstils.lv sells interior objects and accessories (towels, cups, tote bags, pillows, mobile phone caps, etc.) with Nīca ethnographic motifs.
* artist Andra Gulbe created a light object in 2012 – “XXL” – a large lamp in the form of a Nīca crown, which is seen in the Museum of Applied arts and Design;
*The sculpture "Dark-Skinned Folk Maiden" by sculptor Aigars Bikše, dressed in the Nīca folk costume, was displayed in the exhibition "Mobile Museum. Next Season" at the Art Park in Riga in 2022, and previously as part of the 2016 Liepāja Art Forum, among other events.

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Masters

Special traditions and craftsmen (in alphabetical order) are particularly important for the Nīca cultural space.
Ambrēna Inta – embroiderer (Nīcas shirts, special handkerchiefs), FAAS "Liepava" participant.
Dilēviča Velta – creator of components of the Nīca folk costume (burslaki, Nīca knitted jackets, women's hats, shirts) at Studio "Latva," Liepāja.

Drāznieks Andrejs – weaver. "Mūrēni", Otaņķi municipality.
Dzintare Ausma – traditional homestead owner, tourism entrepreneur. "Galdnieki", Pērkone, Nīca parish.
Jagmina Lelde – local historian, "Nīcas un Otaņķu pagastu tautasdziesmu krājums" compiler, Otaņķi parish guide.
"Pļavmalas", Rude, Otaņķi parish.
Jekste Guntis – carpenter (design tables). "Pērkones Zvejnieki", Pērkone, Nīca parish.
Kadeģis Oskars – a sixth-generation coastal fisherman. Fisherman's house "Oskars," Jūrmalciems, Nīca parish.
Kalniņa Regīna – knitter and weaver of components of the Nīca folk costume, and a promoter of the skills involved in creating the Nīca folk costume.
"Agri", Nīca, Nīca parish.
Klāsēna Maira – local expert and expert in the characteristic singing style of Nīca, as well as a custodian of Nīca's culinary heritage.
Otaņķi ethnographic ensemble participant. Ķezberes, Otaņķi, Otaņķi parish
Klāsons Žanis – smith. "Līčupes", Otaņķi, Otaņķi parish.
Krētainis Valters – carpenter in Jūrmalciems, "Nīckrasti", Nīca, Nīca parish.
Kupšis Arnis – miller at the Prenclavu mill, carpenter. "Otaņķi", Otaņķi, Otaņķi parish.
Maļika Velta – local expert and expert in the characteristic singing style of Nīca, former participant of the Otaņķi Ethnographic ensemble and current participant in the Nīca Ethnographic Ensemble
"Upītes", Nīca, Nīca parish.
Prenclava Ilga – local expert and expert in the characteristic singing style of Nīca, participant of the Otaņķi ethnographic ensemble
Otaņķi, Otaņķi parish.
Rubeze Smaida – weaver. "Arāji", Bernāti, Nīca parish.
Rumkovska Inta – horse husbandry and horse equipment expert. "Ērkuļi", Laukgals, Otaņķi parish
Sileniece Aija – weaver, knitter, Nīca ethnographic ensemble participant, Nīca, Nīca parish
Skalde Daina – cloth cheese maker. "Vārpas", Rude, Otaņķi parish
Skrieders Ivars – amber processing master, knipchen master. "Zāži," Jūrmalciems, Nīca parish.
Šķipere Alvīne – local expert, expert in the characteristic singing style of Nīca, member of the Otaņķi ethnographic ensemble. "Strungu Bieranti," Banažgals, Otaņki parish.
Škuberte Ilze – weaver (Nīca ceremonial pocket handkerchiefs, drēļļi, and woven textiles), member of TLMS "Liepava."
Vaitkusa Agra – weaver (linen and wool products). "Splītes," Rumbasgals, Otaņki parish.
Vanaga Gita – local expert, local historian, author of books, expert on Jūrmalciems fishing traditions and Nīca household traditions, guide. "Jasmīni," Jūrmalciems, Nīca parish.
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Vārna Alīda – local expert, local historian, rag cheese maker, bread baker using recipes passed down through generations, compiler of "Nīcas un Otaņķu pagastu tautasdziesmu krājums." "Vēķauši," Banažgals, Otaņki parish.
Vecbaštika Arta – traditional homestead owner, horse breeder, tourism entrepreneur at "Ciestomi." Jūrmalciems, Nīca parish.
Ziemelis Arvis – experienced coastal fisherman who has taught the craft to his now-adult sons.

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Agencies and Institutions

Municipality of South Kurzeme
South Kurzeme Municipality Cultural Administration, Center for Folk Traditions and Folklore
Nīca and Otaņķi Parish Administration Union
Nīca Cultural Center
Otaņķi People's House
Nīca Heritage collection
Otaņķi Heritage collection
Nīca Preschool "Spārīte" and its branch in Rude
Nīca Secondary School
Folklore Group "Rakari" of Nīca Secondary School (Grades 1–4 and 5–10) and folk dancers (Grade 1 and Grades 2–4)
Nīca Music School
Nīca Youth Center
"Nīca Municipality Development Association"
Association "Cerību krāsa"
Association "Jūrmalciema valgums"
Jūrmalciems Residents' Initiative Group "Aizjomietes"
Interest Group "Kalvas"
Interest Group "Vēlziedes"
Interest Group "Rude"
Interest Group "Stars"
Nīca Tourism Information Center
"Sabiedrisko mediju biedrība"
Association "Kalnišķu Īves"
Association "Mēs – Bernātiem"
Society “Bārtas upes radošā apvienība”

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Strengthening

In order to ensure the existence of the Nīca cultural space, books and musical records have been issued over the past five years, educational events have been implemented, concert performances have been prepared, short films were created, the traditions of Nīca are promoted both at local level and at both national and transnational level. Several infrastructure projects have also been implemented.
17.09.2022. the Nīca Development Association secured €1,500 from the Kurzeme Cultural Program and organized the "South Kurzeme Polyphonic Praise" event at the Otaņķi Community Center. The event featured the Nīca, Otaņķi, and Bārta ethnographic ensembles and their successors—the local children’s and youth folklore groups. During the event, participants explored and practiced the tradition of local song performance in drone polyphony.
6.-20.09.2022: An inventory was conducted to identify the current owners of traditional and newly made Nīca folk costumes or their components (such as socks, skirts, and crowns) with the aim of creating a compilation of family folk costume stories.
September 12–18, 2022: The Tīklu māja museum in Jūrmalciems hosted a pop-up exhibition from the Liepāja Museum, featuring documentary photographs from the museum’s collection on coastal fishing in the 1920s and 1930s in Liepāja and nearby villages, including Pērkone, Pape, Bernāti, Nīca, and Jūrmalciems.
1.09.2022. Nīca Culture Center received a woven Nīca ethnographic ensemble flag valued at EUR 1800.
1.09.2022. The South Kurzeme Municipality secured €1300 from the State Cultural Capital Foundation (VKKF) for the publication of the digital album "Ciemā lēcu ķekatās" ("Visiting Village Mummers").
06.04.2022. Printed and bound copies of philologist Brigita Bušmane’s digital dictionary of the Nīca dialect (spanning 1,000 pages up to the entry "Ķ") are now available for reading at the Otaņķi Parish Library and the Nīca Heritage Collection (cost: €90.00).
30.03.2022 In collaboration with the Kurzeme Institute of Humanities and the Cultural Heritage Department of the South Kurzeme Municipality, a video about the Nīca dialect has been created (€180.00).
21.02.2022. Received ethnographic shoe replicas that were ordered for the amateur performer groups of the Nīca and Otaņi cultural institutions.
15.01.2022. For the third consecutive year, decorative flags featuring Nīca ethnographic mitten patterns—seasonally themed—were placed on light poles in Nīca and Otaņi parishes (€2,500.00).
05.12.2021. A large-format illuminated installation, "Nīca Crown," was installed in Nīca parish center, designed to create a unified festive concept, "Nīca’s Crown in Moonlight," across Nīca and Otaņi parishes during the darkest months over the next five years (€1,800.00 with an additional €12,000.00 planned for the coming years).
October 2021 – prior to COVID-19 restrictions (also in 2019, in the now-closed Rude primary school 1st grade) – "This Week's Historical Object" sessions in both 1st grades at Nīca Secondary School, weekly meetings with a traditional Nīca maiden to discuss topics like lanterns, sowing baket, Nīca crowns, the brimmed hats, and more. Activities included sowing seeds, decorating crowns and hats, blowing air into lanterns, etc.
30.09.2021. Created video submissions of the Nīca and Otaņi ethnographic ensembles for the international folklore festival "Baltica 2022," including a short film on the Krustabas tradition (€1,870.00).
04.09.2021. Collaborated with the Liepāja Museum, Nīca and Otaņķi Heritage collections, and ethnographic ensembles from Nīca, Otaņķi, Bārta, and Rucava, alongside TLMS "Liepava" weaver Ilze Škuberte, embroiderer Inta Ambrēna, and local residents, participating in the LNKC event "Meet Your Craftsman!" The theme was the ethnographic nēzdaugs (honorary kerchief) with a lecture, discussions, and weaving demonstrations (€90.00).
Summer 2021. Created a short film on coastal fishing traditions in Jūrmalciems, Nīca parish, accessible online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r-N2XrjOxA
Summer 2021. Otaņki locals Ilga Prenclava, Maira Klāsēna, Alvīne Šķipere, and Lelde Jagmina participated in a documentation expedition by the association "Serde" on traditional dishes skābputra and sklandrauši.
2020. Professionally recorded six songs by the Nīca ethnographic ensemble and one by the Otaņi ensemble (€2,000.00).
Three short films were produced: on the history of the Nīca ethnographic ensemble (€550.00), the Krustabas tradition with the Otaņi ensemble (€1,800.00), and the coastal fishing tradition in Jūrmalciems (€200.00).
15.06.2021. Lecture by Ilga Reizniece, "Experiencing Midsummer," in the Rude school’s open-air stage with Nīca and Otaņi ensembles (€250.00).
15.06.2021. Subtitled short films "Nīca Folk Costume" and "Nīca Singing Styles" created as part of a submission to the Latvian National Intangible Cultural Heritage List (€760.00).
04.05.–30.06.2021. Multimedia exhibition "Folksong Singers. 1991." featuring Otaņki locals Margrieta Otaņķe and Katrīna Radomišķe at the Otaņki Folk House (€1,000.00), with a virtual tour available:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMNLOzcB7i0
26.03.2021. Prepared and published "20 Gems" from the Otaņki Heritage collection on kultura.nica.lv to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
30.11.2020. Electrical installations arranged in the upcoming Nīca craft house – the Otaņki Heritage collection (€1,320.00).
30.11.2020. The TLMS "Liepava" exhibition "Traditional Women's Headwear of Kurzeme" and an afternoon discussion about women's headwear at the Otaņķi People's House (150.00 euros).
15.09.2020. Purchase of renovation materials for the Otaņki Heritage collection for the Craft House setup (€7,000.00).
05.09.2020. "Meet Your Craftsman!" Exploring the history of the Nīca and Bārta crowns with lectures and a masterclass led by M. Muntaga, plus children's workshops on baking bread, churning butter, and making kvass (€270.00).
16.08.2020. Short film produced – Otaņki ensemble member Alvīne Šķipere’s story about the ensemble (€70.00).
26.08.2020. Recording, editing, and mixing of 11 songs by the Nīca ethnographic ensemble (€360.00).
21.07.2020. Floor replacement in the Nīca Heritage collection (€200.00).
15.06.2020. Created matching Nīca and Otaņki parish flags for light poles featuring ethnographic mitten patterns (€640.00).
29.08.2019. Published a collection of folk songs from Nīca and Otaņki parishes in 500 copies.
22.10.2019. Lecture by musicologist Ieva Pāne on polyphony in the Nīca Culture House with the Nīca, Otaņi, and Bārta ethnographic ensembles (€118.00).
06.03.2019. Nīca Heritage collection curated and displayed books and publications featuring Nīca and Otaņki parishes, "Following in the Footsteps of Nīca Parish."
27.07.2019. Grand production "Latvian Wedding in Nīca" with all cultural groups of Nīca Municipality Cultural Center and invited actors (€3,000.00).
12.06.2019. Development and publication of an ethnographic souvenir paper doll "Ieva" from Nīca parish (€2,100.00).
18.05.2018. Opening of the Old Horse Gear Shed in the Otaņki Heritage collection as part of Museum Night.

Over the past five years, the accomplishments achieved have promoted the traditions of Nīca on a national scale, enhancing both the prestige of local customs in the eyes of residents and pride in the unique and vibrant local traditions. Additional key benefits include: Concert talks by the Nīca and Otaņi ethnographic ensembles have not only entertained but have also educated local event attendees on singing long calls, deepening public appreciation for local customs, particularly among families with young children. The notable success of the Otaņi ethnographic ensemble has also amplified local ethnography's popularity and fostered local pride. The digital family tree of Nīca and Otaņi parish residents, created by Gita Vanaga, head of the Nīca Heritage collection, encompasses 20,000 individuals dating back to the 16th century. This freely accessible resource has sparked interest among residents in Nīca and Otaņi, offering a means to explore personal ancestry. The social media accounts of the Otaņi Heritage collection, managed by its director, regularly update 100 local followers on the collection’s items. The TikTok campaign "20 Gems from the Otaņi Heritage Collection," celebrating the collection's 20th anniversary, garnered over 19,800 views. The 2019 grand production, "Latvian Wedding in Nīca," united local residents and reminded the whole of Latvia about the region’s cultural heritage. With regular broadcasts on "Re ," Nīca folk costumes, songs, the wedding tradition of "mičošana," and other distinctive features have gained wider recognition across the country. The 2019 folk song collection has been used for promoting Nīca and Otaņi parishes and has been purchased by residents as a meaningful gift for their families. In 2020, a copy was presented to President Egils Levits during his visit to Nīca, and another to Janīna Kursīte-Pakule at the Rucava conference. The Otaņi ethnographic ensemble frequently uses the collection and is preparing an addition. In the 2021/2022 academic year, the collection was given to Nīca Secondary School's 12th-grade graduates at their graduation. The film "Coastal Fishing Traditions in Jūrmalciems" is regularly shown to visitors, school groups, and tourists at the "Piestātne" Net House in Jūrmalciems.

The preservation of Nīca’s cultural space has received consistent strategic and financial support from the former Nīca municipality council and now also from the South Kurzeme Municipality, which continues to support the work of the Nīca Center House and the Otaņi People's House. This includes enhancing the technical resources of the ensembles, participation in international events, and similar initiatives. A dedicated unit, the South Kurzeme Folk Traditions and Folklore Center, has been established to focus on cultural spaces and ethnographic regions within the municipality. Financial support has been provided by the State Cultural Capital Foundation (VKKF) and the Liepāja District Partnership, primarily for the creation of traditional folk costumes for ethnographic ensembles. Currently, a VKKF-funded project is underway to publish a digital album of the Otaņi ethnographic ensemble’s ķekatas (traditional mummery). Recently, the "South Kurzeme Polyphony Celebration," organized by the Nīca Development Association and funded by VKKF, LVM, and the Kurzeme Planning Region’s target program, was held. A municipal procurement process is in progress for reproductions of historical Nīca shirts for Nīca folk dancers, with funding already secured for the creation of shirts, vests, and acorn wreaths for the ethnographic ensemble members. Reproductions of traditional Nīca footwear have also been received for both ethnographic ensembles. Financial support continues for events that promote local folklore and the preservation of traditional skills, including the high-quality documentation of traditions through filming.
Currently, a Crafts House is being set up in the Otaņķi People's House for the purposes of crafting traditional folk costumes and their accessories. Meanwhile, in collaboration with the association "Jūrmalciema valgums" and with aid from the local council, activities around the promotion and preservation of coastal fishing are documented.
The main responsible institution for the planned events in the Nīca cultural space is the South Kurzeme Municipality's Cultural Department and its Center for Folk Traditions and Folklore. Funding for the Nīca cultural space is allocated from the municipal budget. This is followed by the Nīca Culture House and the Otaņi Community Center, which implement their allocated budgets in events. The Nīca Museum (Regional Studies Center) and the Otaņi Museum also participate in the implementation of the event plan. The "Nīca Development Association" attracts funding for sports, education, and traditional culture. There are plans to continue securing funding from both state and municipal sources, as well as to participate in project open calls.

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Continuity/Development

To promote the recognition of the Nīca cultural space, a significant event plan has been developed in collaboration with the head of the South Kurzeme Municipality's Cultural Department's Center for Folk Traditions and Folklore, the directors of the Nīca Cultural Center and the Otaņi People's House, the heads of the Nīca and Otaņi Heritage collections, as well as representatives from the Grīnvalti, Kalnišķi, and Jūrmalciems community centers, the administration of Nīca Secondary School, representatives from the preschool institution "Spārīte," the association "Jūrmalciema valgums," and the most active members of the local community (entrepreneurs, artisans) until 2027.
2023
* In January – in collaboration with well-known artists relevant to young people, creating an environmental exhibition of contemporary mask designs for the ķekatas tradition and developing a strategy for promoting the ķekatas tradition and design. Organized by the Nīca Cultural Center in cooperation with the Nīca and Otaņi ethnographic ensembles, Nīca Secondary School and Nīca Youth Center.
* In February, filming and preparation of representative video material "Ķekatās lēkšana Nīcā" (Mummery in Nīca) (if the epidemiological safety situation in the country allows). Responsible: the head of the Otaņķi People's House, the Otaņķi ethnographic ensemble, the Nīca ethnographic ensemble, in financial and informational collaboration with the Culture Department of the South Kurzeme municipality.
* in September, the Nīca long call and leitis singing will be recorded in collaboration with the Otaņķi ethnographic ensemble. Responsible party: director of Otaņķi People's House
* Nīca and Otaņķi Heritage Collections cultural work organisers exchange trips to the Latvian National History museum, revealing ethnographic and other collections from Nīca.
Documenting the local experts' accounts on life, songs, traditions and especially culinary heritage in the Nīca and Otaņķi parhishes.
* In 2023–2027, the maintenance of the material and technical base for the Nīca and Otaņķi ethnographic ensembles, the Nīca women's choir, and the middle-aged dance group "Nīca" will include ethnographically accurate leather shoes with metal rings, reproductions of ancient Nīca shirts (in collaboration with the Nīca and Otaņķi Antioquities collections), and the creation of ethnographically accurate shirts (i.e., each one being different); knitting of knee-length wool socks.
* In 2025, Doing ķekatas in the daytime in the Otaņķi parish, in collaboration with the Nīca and Otaņķi ethnographic ensembles, local creative collectives and locals.
In 2024
* Collaboration with the "Serde" association in preparing a booklet on South Kurzeme cheese traditions, including Nīca cloth cheese. Responsible – The Cultural Administration of South Kurzeme's Center for Folk Traditions and Folklore.
*Publication of a book on the weaving of cross towels (drelļi, skāteri) (technical articles and photographs of ancient local fabrics). Responsible – The Otaņķi Heritage Collection.
* The creation of the "Nīca mitten booklet". Responsible - the Nīca Heritage collection
In 2025
Preparation of the exhibition "Dzintara žoķerētāji". Responsible: The Nīca Heritage Collection and the associations "Jūrmalciema valgums", "Mēs - Bernātiem" and the Nīca Tourism Information center
In 2023.–2027.
*Identification, documentation, research, and digitization of the intangible and tangible cultural heritage of the Nīca cultural space (folklore, traditional holidays and celebrations, language, skills, textiles, household items, tools, historical buildings, etc.). Responsible – The Nīca and The Otaņķi Heritage Collections, and the libraries of the Nīca and Otaņķi municipalities.
*Research on the history of the Nīca cultural space and publication of findings. Responsible – The Nīca and Otaņķi Heritage Collections, and the South Kurzeme Cultural Administration’s Center for Folk Traditions and Folklore.
*Creation of a South Kurzeme traditions website with a comprehensive and extensive section dedicated to the Nīca cultural space, along with a publicly accessible media database.

2023–2027. Traditional Culture Day of Nīca and Otaņķi for the whole family on June 1, held in Nīca one year and in the Otaņķi parish territory the next year (Responsible – Nīca Cultural Center and Otaņķi People's House).
1. 2023–2027. Digitalization of the collections of the Nīca and Otaņķi Heritage Collections and ensuring online accessibility for all interested parties. Responsible – Nīca and Otaņķi Heritage Collections and the South Kurzeme Municipality Cultural Administration’s Center for Folk Traditions and Folklore.
2. 2024–2027. Adding high-quality digital audio recordings of the Nīca and Otaņķi ethnographic ensembles to the South Kurzeme Municipality Center for Folk Traditions and Folklore's website in the section "Nīca Cultural Space," accessible to everyone in the database.
4. 2023–2027. Provide support for the "Ķekatās lēkšana" tradition (including transportation, digitization, and environmental decorations in both parishes) within the budget for cultural work organizers of Nīca and Otaņķi parishes. Responsible parties – Nīca Cultural Center, Otaņķi People's house, and the South Kurzeme Cultural Administration.
5. 2023.–2027. Maintain the annual Fishing Festival tradition in the Nīca Parish Jūrmalciems. Responsible: Nīca Cultural Center and association "Jūrmalciema valgums".
6. In 2025
*Compile the various styles and history of honor handkerchiefs – Nīca "nēzdaugs" – and publish an informative guide with images useful for weavers and embroidery specialists. Responsible – Nīca Heritage Collection.
* Set up a 2m high mockup of the Prenclava Mill in the center of Otaņķi parish. Responsible: Director of Otaņķi People's House
7. By 2027 – open and actively operate the cultural landmark "Klēte" in Nīca, a modern museum with augmented reality and visual storytelling, currently being developed in collaboration with the company "H2E" by the Development Department of the South Kurzeme Municipality. Responsible – South Kurzeme Municipality’s Cultural Administration's Development Department.
8. 2023-2027
*Preparation of the project proposal for the "Otaņķi Traditional Singing School" and implementation of the event. Responsible – Otaņķi People's House Director.
* 2023–2027: At least one large ethnographic-themed Nīca festive event for residents of both parishes. Responsible parties – South Kurzeme Cultural Administration, Nīca Cultural Center, and Otaņki People's House.
* Celebration of traditional Nīca cultural events, festivities, and seasonal holidays. Organization of festivals and other large-scale cultural events. Responsible parties – South Kurzeme Cultural Administration, Nīca Cultural Center, and Otaņki People's House.
* Promotion of international collaboration, building partnerships, and facilitating exchanges with similar communities or tradition keepers in Latvia and around the world. Responsible parties – South Kurzeme Cultural Administration, Nīca Cultural Center, and Otaņki People's House.
* Establishment of the Nīca Ethnographic Homestead as a site set in a rural environment to showcase the traditional lifestyle and intangible cultural heritage of the Nīca and Otaņķi communities. Location: Territory of Nīca or Otaņķi parish. Responsible entity – Cultural Administration of South Kurzeme Municipality.
* Support operation of the creative collectives of Nīca and Otaņķi parishes.
- Provide a supportive environment and opportunities for in-depth study of expressions of Nīca cultural space cultural heritage for children and youth.
– ensure the participation of ethnographic ensembles, folklore groups, musical bands, and dance collectives in preserving and passing on the intangible cultural heritage of the Nīca cultural space, promoting it locally, nationally, and internationally.
– ensure the growth and development of collectives, the procurement of high quality instruments, restoration of costumes, and attracting professional educators.
– provide training in professional competency development courses for the leaders of collectives who promote the preservation and transmission of traditions.
* Ensure educational services in Nīca Secondary School and PII “Spārīte” in Nīca and its branch in Rude. Responsible – South Kurzeme Municipality Education Department, Nīca Secondary School, PII "Spārīte":
The lesson and curriculum programs are supplemented with information and tasks about the diversity of Nīca culture heritage (including the local history, folklore, geography, dialect, and traditional skills, involving community tradition bearers and practitioners);
– the material and technical base for the "Nīca Municipality Education" program has been ensured, including equipped spaces, accessible equipment, and developed appropriate methodological materials;
– Ensuring the operation of interest education groups based on community singing, folk dancing, instrumental and folk music, folk art, crafts, and folklore traditions;
– the organization of practical classes in collaboration with the Nīca and Otaņķi cultural centers, heritage collections and libraries;
– establishing a school collaboration network with other communities included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in Latvia (e.g., the Livonian Coast, Suiti, Rucava, and Upīte cultural spaces, etc.);
– training of teachers, provision of professional development;
– provision and promotion of lifelong learning activities. Responsible: Nīca Cultural Center, Otaņķi People's House

Preserve and engagingly promote the transmission of intangible cultural heritage—traditions of creating and wearing folk costumes, traditional methods of homesteading, customs for celebrating seasonal events, and rituals.
Each year, around 60 Nīca and Otaņķi first grade students learn the basics of traditional local culture through interesting and engaging learning approaches.
At any time, anyone interested in learning more about the seasonal celebration traditions, beliefs, songs, etc., characteristic of Nīca can do so at their convenience on the website nicaskulturtelpa.lv (visitor engagement is measurable in the website statistics) or on the upcoming website of the South Kurzeme Municipality's Culture Department, in the "Nīca Culture Space" section.
The modern and easily accessible Nīca Museum "Klēte," which promotes Nīca's traditional costumes, dialects, and singing styles, will ensure its sustainability starting in 2027, also through the support of Liepāja as the European Capital of Culture, by selling entrance tickets, souvenirs, and renting out spaces. At the same time, it serves as a "brief insight into Nīca culture" in a contemporary and interactive language for visitors of different generations and nationalities.

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Threats

The sustainability of Nīca Cultural space is endangered by the deficiencies in intangible cultural heritage documentation, research, preservation and transmission.
1. Documentation and research.
Although visually similar, the Nīca folk costumes differ and each is unique. Therefore, it is important to explore the collections of national museums and compile the commonalities and differences so that such reference material is available to local residents closer to their homes. It should be noted that no original Nīca villāne (large traditional shawl) has been preserved in local historical collections, nor has any nēzdaugs (honorary pocket handkerchief) or any pair of leather shoes, which are essential parts of the Nīca folk costume ensemble. Additionally, the rich culinary heritage has so far been minimally documented, mainly in Velta Cīpa’s cookbooks and indirectly in philologist Brigita Bušmane’s "Dictionary of the Nīca Dialect," which is currently developed up to the letter "Ķ."
2. Preservation and transmition (including promotion and accessibility).
In the new, expansive South Kurzeme Municipality, established after regional reforms, there exist three historical ethnographic districts. The leaders of the ethnographic ensembles are hired seasonally and are not motivated to achieve high results in performances or in their professional work with the collective members—local residents. The members of the ensembles are aging, and generational change is not taking place. This decline in the prestige of the historical districts' ethnographic ensembles threatens the tradition of the Song and Dance Festivals.
For several years in a row, the COVID-19 pandemic has been ravaging Latvia and the world. February, which is the time for the traditional "ķekatas" (mummery) celebrations, has been a period when households have been prohibited from gathering in order to reduce the spread of the disease. This means that the tradition of "ķekatās lēkšana" is not being practiced and is fading away.
The traditional costume collection of the creative groups from the Nīca Cultural Center and the Otaņķi People's House is regularly updated and replenished due to wear and tear, in accordance with the ethnographic materials (clothing, shoes, accessories) found in local heritage collections.
The rich repertoire of songs (melodies, their variations, and the recorded lyrics here) from the Nīca and Otaņķi ethnographic groups is not accessible for everyday reference, research, or recreation.
Local families with children and young people rarely receive engaging cultural and recreational programs featuring elements of Nīca's ethnographic heritage, which in turn diminishes the prestige of local ethnography and the opportunity for young people to take pride in it and show interest in the future.
The existence of coastal fishing is threatened by European Union regulations, a lack of interest among local youth, and the limited amount of available information on this field, including the stages of work—not only the fishing process but also fish processing and tool maintenance. The pride of the residents of fishing villages in their heritage—preserved coastal fishing traditions and the elements that comprise them, such as dialects, regional vocabulary, fishing songs, etc.—has diminished.
The Nīca cultural space lacks a single central location where one can learn about these elements in a concise, engaging, and modern way (visualizations, augmented reality, storytelling). This absence is felt from the perspective of local residents, from the viewpoint of tourists in Latvia, and there is also no offering for foreign tourists, especially Lithuanians, who make up 70% of the total tourist numbers in Nīca during the summer season.

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Publications

Janševskis, J. (1928) Latvian regions VI. Nīca. Riga: Securities press

Jagmina, L., Vārna, A. (sast). (2019). The Inventory of Nīca and Otaņki parish traditional folk songs. Liepāja: LiePa.

Sprincis, P. (2008). Nīca laikmetu griežos. Liepāja: LiePa.

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Websites

Brigita Bušmane Nīca Dialect Dictionary (A-I). - The philologist B. Bušmane's dictionary has collected not only the factual evidence relevant for philologers, or dictionary-like definitions of local dialect words, but also the explanations were extensively enriched with stories from living and past Nicans and Otanķians. An invaluable educational material for any interested party.

Home page of the elements associated with the Nīca cultural space - a description of each area related to the cultural space of Nīca. The website, in which, in cooperation with citizens, societies, and instututions, all available information is compiled, which is further available in the facilities of the Nīca and Otaņķi Heritage collections, in the Nīca culture center, in the Otaņki People's House, the Nīca and the Otaņki parish libraries.

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