Zemgale Flavors and Crafts Festival takes place at Eleja Manor
A festival celebrating Zemgale's traditional crafts, local producers and culture is being held today at Eleja Manor in Jelgava Municipality. The event is part of a Latvian-Lithuanian cross-border cooperation project.
Eleja Manor in Jelgava Municipality is hosting the “Zemgale Flavors and Crafts Festival” today starting at 11:00. The event aims to showcase traditional crafts of the Zemgale region, products from local producers, and a cultural program, according to the municipality's public relations department.
Market and workshops
Throughout the day, a market featuring local craftsmen and producers will let visitors browse and buy regional goods, alongside creative workshops. Activities in the park grounds are planned for both children and adults — some are free of charge, while certain masterclasses may carry a participation fee.
Children can take part in creative activities and get closer to animals, as “Ballīte Zoo” joins the festival, offering visitors the chance to view, feed and pet various animals.
Music and dance
Visitors can enjoy performances by Lithuanian folklore groups “Tarkšķi” and “Vilkijos”, along with line-dancing groups “Relaxdance” and “Sidestep” and the middle-generation dance group “Medaga”. The program also includes craft demonstrations — the “Jaunparks” beekeeping farm will present its work in a masterclass called “From Hive to Craftsmanship,” while the natural cosmetics brand “Livonijas Dzintars” will demonstrate how its products are made.
In the exhibition hall, a concert-lecture titled “Zemgale – the Lap of Music” is scheduled for 12:30, followed by a communal singing session at 13:30. The musical program concludes at 15:00 with a concert by the ethno-music group “Tautumeitas”.
The festival is being held as part of the “Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021-2027” project “From Craftsman's Hands to the Market: A Craft and Trade Adventure”.
