Colors of Jurmala - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Some major festivals were forced to change their venue. This is due to political disagreements with the Latvian leadership in recent years. But quite a lot of interesting events still take place in Jurmala despite this. For example, both local and foreign performers perform every two weeks, or even more often, in the city as part of the "Music of Cinema and Theater" project. Concerts are also held regularly as part of the "Weekend Music" project.

Jurmala Running Festival is held in the city on April 14. This event is dedicated to sports and a healthy lifestyle. You can take part in dozens of both serious and comic sports competitions on this day, in addition to running along the beautiful city streets and the embankment. A separate animation program is provided for children. Opera fans can visit the selection round of the international Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition in mid-April. Both famous artists and aspiring singers perform on it. Performances of local creative groups and folk crafts fairs take place on May 4. Celebrations dedicated to Independence Day are held in the city at this time. The bike marathon also takes place within its framework.

All tourists and residents are invited to visit Kemeri National Park for free on May 5. This event is held in honor of Travelers' Day. Even more free tours take place on Night of Museums. Local cultural institutions are open to everyone at this time. Night of Museums is not limited to free guided tours. Outdoor attractions and exhibitions are also open during this time. Dance, singing, and theater groups perform at several venues. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The beginning of the holiday season is celebrated on local beaches at the end of May, usually on the 25th. Carnival processions, animation programs, a concert with local and guest artists, and attractions for adults and children are open throughout the day. The action ends with a bright fireworks display after sunset. The family bike marathon takes place in the city on June 8. The event is accompanied by a dozen different sports competitions for children and parents. The World Cup Stage in Street Gymnastics takes place in the city in mid-June.

Jan's Night is celebrated on the 23rd. All guests of the city can join the summer solstice celebration on Kauguri beach. Jumping over a fire, national music and traditional dances will help you learn more about Latvian culture. The traditional Jurmala Festival takes place in the city in late July and early August. You should visit the colorful opening ceremony. It is traditionally accompanied by performances of music stars. You should also visit the Women's Tennis Association's International series tournament. It takes place at the end of July. Participants from the first third of the rating table take part in it. They come from ten countries.

You can listen to classical and modern music during the festival. You will also have the opportunity to see the latest productions of Latvian theater-goers. You will be able to visit operas and operettas from local directors. The colorful race also takes place as part of the festival in the city. Come here if you are not afraid to get dirty. The festival "Ballet Stars in Jurmala" takes place in the city in early August. It was held for the twenty-first time in 2020. Dance fans should visit the four-day Laima Rendezvous Jurmala Festival. Kauguri Festival is celebrated in the city on the last day of summer. Rides, dances, and performances by mimes and magicians take place here at this time. It ends with fireworks and a fire show.

Electric Run Jūrmala is interesting. Participants will have to cover five kilometers in led lighting and to the sound of electronic music during this race. Kremerata Baltica will appeal to fans of classical music and orchestral arrangements. The festival takes place at the very beginning of September. Both local and foreign performers traditionally perform at it together with the famous Kremerata Baltica collective under the direction of artistic director Gidon Kremer.

If you decide to celebrate the winter holidays in Jurmala, you should go to concerts of the participants of the Christmas Festival. It starts in mid-December. The festival traditionally ends after the seventh of January. Several dozen musicians of various genres perform in the city at this time. There are more street dancers, magicians, and animators in the streets of the city around Christmas. The fair starts functioning on the main tourist street. Products here are more designed for tourists. You can see the old rite of "Dragging logs" on Christmas Eve. Carolers from among teenagers and young people walk through the streets of the city. Nativity scenes are installed in churches. Santons appear in homes. These are home versions of Nativity scenes.