The Latvian folksong Pūt, vējiņi (“Blow, little wind”) tells the story of a young man who says farewell to his beloved and sets out to sea. He asks the wind to blow so that he may sail faster toward his home or destination. The song expresses feelings of longing, farewell, and connection with nature. The wind and the sea symbolize fate, the power of nature, and the human hope for return and love.

For Latvians, Pūt, vējiņi is much more than just a song — it is a symbol of national identity and cultural pride. During times of occupation and oppression, the song helped keep the Latvian language and spirit alive. It connects people to their history, nature, and sense of home, and is often sung during the great Latvian Song Festival, where thousands of voices unite as one. The song embodies what it means to be Latvian: faithfulness, hope, and love for the homeland.

To me, this song means freedom and independence, life! The song tells me that everyone being able to choose what they want and how they want to live. Which path they want to take, who they want to marry. You don't have to ask your parents.

My name is Irina Uunk. I am a 69-year-old woman, married, and have lived in Enschede for 24 years. I came to Enschede for love. My husband and I met in Osnabrück when he was working there. After a while, he asked if I would like to visit the Netherlands sometime. I had never been there, so I thought it would be great. When he later asked me where I would like to live, I immediately said Enschede, because it is the most beautiful city. We now have some beautiful grandchildren. The whole family still lives here, and we are still in love!