Kuldīga marks 15th Duke Jacob's Fair with large turnout of visitors
On Saturday, Kuldīga held its 15th annual Duke Jacob's Fair featuring stalls from every parish in the municipality, drawing an unusually large crowd that coincided with the day of Latvia's parliamentary elections.
Kuldīga celebrated the 15th edition of its Duke Jacob's Fair on Saturday, marked by cannon salutes, live music and a lively atmosphere throughout the town. At the heart of the event were stalls representing every parish of the municipality, each showcasing homegrown produce, home-made goods, and local crafts. Traders from other regions also took part, adding to the variety of products on offer.
The fair spread across several locations, including Liepājas, Baznīcas and Kalna streets, the courtyard of a local college, and the Town Garden, where each parish had its own designated trading spot. Organizers and visitors noted an unusually high turnout, even though the day coincided with Latvia's parliamentary elections.
Music and craft workshops
Throughout the day, several folk and traditional music groups from Kuldīga and the Cēsis municipality performed in the Town Garden. Near the local museum, a craft house from the Cēsis region's Drabeši manor ran workshops where visitors could try churning butter, learn about making musical instruments, and watch a demonstration of historic leather shoemaking. The workshop organizer said her team enjoys visiting Kuldīga and had spent time exploring the town's old quarter before the fair began.
Children were entertained by an unusual carousel shaped like a large wooden ship, created some years ago by an artist and stage designer for another event and brought to the fair at the request of Kuldīga's organizers.
Traditional figures
As in previous years, the fair featured costumed figures representing Duke Jacob and his wife, portrayed for the seventh year running by local residents who walked through the fairgrounds chatting with visitors. A small train also gave rides to children in the Town Garden.
Visitors remarked that the crowds flowing between the market stalls were unusually dense, recalling the town's historic festive gatherings.
