Valmiera to mark 30th anniversary of revived Simjūda autumn fair
On October 10, Valmiera will host its traditional Simjūda fair, celebrating 30 years since its revival in 1996. Around 350 vendors are expected, alongside a new flea market feature in Vecpuišu Park.
Valmiera will hold its traditional Simjūda autumn fair on October 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., marking 30 years since the tradition was revived. The event will take place along Rīgas Street between Kārļa Baumaņa and Limbažu streets, as well as in Vecpuišu Park.
The Simjūda fair's roots trace back to the medieval period, when Valmiera was a crossroads of trade routes and a member of the Hanseatic League. The fair's name comes from October 28, the feast day of Saints Simon and Jude. The tradition was halted during the Soviet occupation but was revived in 1996 through the initiative of the Valmiera Museum, including historian Laimonis Liepnieks.
From dozens to hundreds of vendors
The first revived fair drew fewer than 50 vendors, but this year around 350 craftspeople and small producers from across Latvia's regions, including Valmiera municipality, are expected to take part. Demand for vendor spots is now twice the available capacity.
New addition: a flea market
For the first time since the fair's revival, Vecpuišu Park will host a flea market alongside its usual plant sale area and cultural program. Historically, 17th-century records referred to Valmiera's markets as livestock and goods fairs.
Visitors can also expect a children's theater performance, traditional dances, and folk music performances. Valmiera Museum director Iveta Blūma noted that the fair's goal since its revival has been to support the craft sector and preserve traditional skills. The fair regularly attracts visitors from Estonia and is sometimes chosen as a destination by foreign tourism companies.
