Three for the Weekend in Latvia: Jelgava, BMX, poetry in translation

Take note – story published 4 years ago

In Latvia this weekend? Maybe we'll bump into you! Anyway, here are a few things to do.

Discover Jelgava

This weekend you'l have an excellent chance to discover the attractions of Jelgava, a city that has done an amazing job in recent years turning around its formerly grungy industrial reputation. Residents and visitors to the city are invited to participate in a tour of Jelgava Palace, where renovation works have been active for three years. On September 14 at 12.15 and 13.15 everyone is invited to go to Jelgava Historical Buildings Quarter - Vecpilsētas Street, where Vecpilsētas Street Festival will take place. During the event, together with historian and archaeologist Andris Tomašūnas, the history of Vecpilsētas Street will be explored, as well as an opportunity to take a look at the process of restoration of historic buildings. On September 15 at 1pm and 2pm tours of Jelgava State Gymnasium will be organized. The building has just completed three years of renovation and students have resumed their studies. Excursions during the European Heritage Days will be free of charge, however, due to the limited number of seats, you must register in advance. More information at www.visit.jelgava.lv.

BMX in Mežaparks

Latvia is a BMX hotspot and September 14 and 15 sees more than 300 of Latvia's leading BMX athletes of all ages, as well as guests from different countries participating in races at Mežaparks BMW track in Rīga. More than 300 athletes will participate in the competition, and there will also be a 'Kendama Jam' showcasing tricks involving the popular wooden ball-on-a-string pastime.

 

Poetry afloat

Those of a cerebral, lyrical or emotional bent will want to make their way to the NOASS art center (the boat moored opposite the Radisson Daugava hotel) on September 14 to listen to the results of annual international poetry collaborations, courtesy of the stalwart efforts of Latvian Literature. 

Featured poets will include Ingmāra Balode (Latvia), Kholoud Charaf (Syria), Goran Colakhodzic (Croatia), Elan Grug Muse (Wales), Xavier Roelens (Belgium), Tomasz Bak (Poland), and Raibīs (Latvia).

Further details at the Facebook page of the event and the details of the wider poetry program: https://www.dzejasdienas.com/programma/

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