Mālpils Strawberry Festival Draws Over 10,000 with Rock Music and Strawberries
The sixth Mālpils Strawberry Festival, themed “Rocky Strawberry,” attracted more than 10,000 visitors with a rich program including sports, a market, a fashion show, and a cake contest.
Festival Highlights
The sixth Mālpils Strawberry Festival, organized by the Mālpils Cultural Center, took place under the theme “Rocky Strawberry” and welcomed over 10,000 guests from across Latvia. The event featured rock music, strawberry aromas, and creative activities. Favorable weather allowed the full program to proceed.
Sports Events
The day began with sports. At the Mālpils stadium, a football tournament involved 13 adult and 11 children's teams from various Latvian towns. In the adult category, “Suntaži United” won; in children's groups, winners included “Pēdējā minūte,” “Baltie balleri,” and “Mālpils muižkungi.” A women's tournament “Ķer un servē” (based on volleyball rules) featured nine teams, with “Bauskas lauvenes” taking first place. A tug-of-war competition saw “Traktors” win for the second consecutive year. Approximately 170 participants took part in sports.
Market and Parade
The festival market hosted over 200 local producers, artisans, and food vendors. Special recognition went to “Rozes virtuve” (best caterers), “Poli rotas,” and “Dodo pankūkas.” The colorful parade included 24 groups, companies, and institutions, with motorcycles and vintage cars. The parade was led by a giant strawberry symbol pulled by a tractor.
Fashion Show and Cake Contest
At the fashion show “Strawberries on the Tongue,” 15 collections were presented. First place went to the studio “More” from Mores Tautas nams, second to Ropaži Music and Art School students, and third to the vocal ensemble “Sidgundietes.” In the cake contest “Rockiest Strawberry Cake,” Inese Krūmiņa won with “Come Dance.” Second was Daiga Karlsone, third Kristīne Brīvkalne. The audience favorite was Amanda Neimane.
Art and Concerts
The Mākslas muiža (Art Manor) hosted the international competition exhibition “TEODORS’26” dedicated to sculptor Teodors Zaļkalns’ 150th anniversary. In the professional category, Pēteris Līdaka won; in the student category, Filips Dadzītis. The evening featured a dance performance “Rokam pa vecam,” telling the story of Mālpils and its traditions through folk dance.
