Sea and Fishermen’s Festival in Latvian coastal towns and villages

Even though this festival is celebrated in coastal towns and villages throughout the country, people from all over Latvia flock to the coast during the festivities to honor fishermen for their work, the sea for its abundance of life, or just to get away for the weekend and relax by the sea or go to the many traditional open-air concerts.

Usually the Sea Festival is celebrated in the second weekend on July. The festivities will take place this year on the weekend of July 8 to 10.

During Sea Festival, the aroma of fresh smoked fish can be enjoyed in every coastal town or village, and people can take rides into open waters on fishing boats and purchase arts and crafts from local artists. Many games and competitions are also held throughout the day.

The first Sea Festival in Latvia was held in 1936 in the coastal town of Pavilosta in western Latvia. That year, the Agriculture Minister went out on a fishing boat with local fisherman to catch flounder. The fish were then taken back to the town and smoked, which followed with a large meal and festivities for all local residents and guests. Tasty fresh fish is always available in abundance during the Sea Festival.

It is advisable to check information beforehand at regional tourist information centers, as each coastal town and village has a different program of events taking place that weekend.

 

http://www.latvia.travel/en/sea-and-fishermen-festival