Culture mark "Latvian heritage"

For modern solutions to the introduction and conservation of Latvian environment and historical buildings

The architecture style of late 19th and early 20th centuries was preserved during the restoration of Meke hotel and appropriate interior was designed. The lobby features photos with the historical evidence of the building. The owners will tell the history of the building and the surroundings to the visitors, and offer social leisure events.

The owners of the Dieniņas homestead have preserved old traditions related to fishing and fish processing, and they have engaged in this work for three generations now.  Fish are processed in line with ancient and local recipes, making use of technologies that are typical of the coastline.  Visitors can buy local smoked fish.  Tourist groups are invited to take part in an active leisure and cultural event, complete with dishes of fish that will fill their stomachs, a boot-tossing event at the sea, stories by the wives of the fishermen, a theatrical performance, smoking of fish, and tasting of fish.

Preservation of coastline fishing traditions

Für das Pflegen von lettischen Traditionen

Auf dem traditionellen Hof der Region Vidzeme, der 15 km von der Stadt Limbaži entfernt liegt, können die Gäste in einer romantischen Kornkammer übernachten. Die im Jahr 1924 gebaute Kornkammer ist für das Empfangen der Gäste angepasst. Der Bauernhof Dzirnupes ist für Erholung in Zweisamkeit oder mit Kindern geeignet. In der Kornkammer ist eine Sauna gebaut. Auf dem Gelände des Hofes befinden sich ein Teich und ein kleiner Fluss, wo man schwimmen, angeln oder romantische Fahrten mit einem Boot unternehmen kann, sowie eine Laube, eine Schmiede, wo der Wirt einen Nagel schmieden lehrt, eine Schaukel, ein Garten mit den örtlichen Leckereien und blühende Wiesen. Hier kann man auch Haustiere besichtigen, sowie sie auch füttern und kuscheln. Die Wirte pflegen lettische Traditionen, die sie als Erbe auch ihren Kindern weiter gegeben haben. Der Wirt stellt verschiedene ländliche Werkzeuge, sowie Musikinstrumente her. Zurzeit arbeitet die Wirtin an die Vorbereitung eines neuen Angebots für Touristen Das Wissen der Frauen, bei dem den Frauen nach oder vor der Hochzeit verschiedene lettische Traditionen und Handwerksarbeiten, auch das Brotbacken, gelehrt werden.

Für lettische Landschaft

Der Hof Lantus ist ein erneuerter Hof in der Region Vidzeme, der für Gäste geeignet ist, die den Komfort lieben. Hier befinden sich mehrere Kaminräume, eine Sauna, ein Schwimmbecken, ein Whirlpool, ein Sportplatz, ein Teich, und ein Holzkübel, der unter freiem Himmel mit einem Holzofen beheizt wird. Der Hof liegt in der Nähe eines Waldes. Hier wird auch Verpflegung angeboten. Die Wirtin kocht lettische Gerichte und dabei verwendet sie so viel wie möglich ihre eigenen Produkte oder die Produkte der örtlichen Unternehmer.

The horse farm features friendly and purebred horses from Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus (12 in all), as well as three different kinds of cosy dogs, rabbits, chickens, cows and cats.  This is a true countryside environment involving four different homesteads – Klajumi, Ganiņi, Ķemeri and Krasti.  Visitors can go horseback riding to visit the Rings of Daugava Nature Park and the frontier between Latvia and Belarus.  Please be aware that personal identification is needed when entering the frontier zone.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For keeping the farmstead tradition.

Für das Pflegen der lettischen Traditionen. Für lettische Gerichte 

Auf dem Hof Vaidelotes werden die altlettische Kultur popularisiert, alte Rituale ausgeführt und solche lettische Gerichte wie Grützen, Piroggen, gefüllte Klöße und Blechkuchen angeboten, die zum Kulturerbe zählen. Diese Gerichte werden aus grob gemahlenem Getreide vorbereitet, das auf dem Hof gezüchtet wird. Erwerb von Tees, Gewürzen und anderen Produkten. Hier werden öffentliche Veranstaltungen organisiert, auf denen Sonnenwenden gefeiert und Traditionen mit Musik, Liedern, Tänzen und verschiedenen Ritualen gezeigt werden. Die Wirtin leitet diese Veranstaltungen und dabei erklärt sie die Traditionen. Hier werden Gerichte vorbereitet, die jedem der organisierten Feste entsprechen.

Für das Popularisieren der lettischen Bierkultur

Mit der Bierbrauerei von Valmiermuiža erwacht auch das kulturhistorische Zentrum von Valmiermuiža. Während des Besuches kann man die Geschichte des Landgutes und den Prozess des Bierbrauens von den natürlichen Rohstoffen bis zu dem fertigen Produkt kennenlernen. Die Besichtigung der Brauerei ergänzen die Verkostung des Kellerbiers und Erzählungen über traditionelle lettische Festgetränke.

For maintaining and chanting Latvian traditions.

The hosts nurture Latvian traditions and share their knowledge with visitors, a significant part of whom are students. There is a "Sun Trail" in Sauleskalns, which introduces eight Latvian anniversaries, where you can participate in creative workshops, make masks, attend culinary master classes and tastings.

Für lettische Gerichte – Sklandrauši

Auf dem Hof Ūši zeigt die Wirtin, wie man das traditionelle nordkurländische süße Gericht Sklandrauši vorbereitet. Sie bietet auch eine Führung für Fußgänger Spaziergang in die industrielle Geschichte von Kolka mit theatralischen Elementen und eine Verkostung der besten Sprotten aus Lettland an.

The slogan for this operation is: “Real Latgale beer is produced here!” Visitors can help in brewing beer, hear stories about traditions, and taste the finished product.  The owner also offers Lettigalian goodies for some noshing.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian beverages (beer)

The owners use old recipes to produce aromatic chicory coffee – a true local product from Latvia’s countryside goodies.  All of the raw materials for chicory coffee come from surrounding fields and meadows.  Visitors learn about the process and the history thereof, also looking at traditions related to such coffee.  The coffee can be tasted and purchased.

For the promotion of traditional Latgalian food

The owner Inese Survilo offers Latgalian meals that are prepared according to the recipes of forefathers. The landlady shows and tells – how to make cheese – a skill she has learned from her grandmother. The visitors may participate in the process and taste cheese with various additives. She prepares krupņiks ar gulbim (barley porridge with potatoes), gulbešnīki (potato pancakes) and farm cakes, furthermore, cooking skills of these dishes can be acquired at organised master classes.

Par tradicionālo amata prasmju – zedeņu žoga pīšana uzturēšanu un daudzināšanu.

Bioloģiskā saimniecība, kur līdztekus tēju un medus ražošanai saimnieki saglabājuši senu amatniecības tradīciju – žogu pīšanu. Kā izejmateriālu izmanto kārklus, kas aug lauku un grāvmalās. Saimnieki apmeklētājiem rāda – kā veidot zedeņu žogus, organizējot meistarklases. Saimnieces Zigrīdas pītais žogs ir apskatāms arī Latvijas Etnogrāfiskajā brīvdabas muzejā.

Für lettisches Handwerk – Hanfzukost

Auf dem Hof Adzelvieši wird Hanf angebaut, aus dessen Samen Hanfbutter und grob gemahlene Zukost hergestellt wird. An der Kornkammer (101 Jahre alt) sind alte Werkzeuge der Hanffaserbearbeitung ausgestellt. Hier kann man leckere Produkte verkosten und kaufen, sowie eine spannende Reise in die Geschichte der Hanfzüchtung unternehmen. Der gewöhnliche Hanf ist eine alte Kulturpflanze in Lettland, die hier seit mehr als 1000 Jahren angebaut wird.

The crafts workshop at the Apkalnmājas farm was established on the basic of typical countryside crafts traditions and the typical lifestyle of the Latgale region.  The workshop has been successful in producing horse tack, belts, leather sacks, etc.  Visitors are offered a tour of the exhibition and workshop, learning about types of leather and the secrets of leatherwork.  They can also try their own hand at producing leather goods and purchase finished products.  Master’s classes and lessons are available.  The owner will also discuss her experience with the Lettigalian lifestyle.

Preservation of traditional crafts – horse items

The owners of the Dieniņas homestead have preserved old traditions related to fishing and fish processing, and they have engaged in this work for three generations now.  Fish are processed in line with ancient and local recipes, making use of technologies that are typical of the coastline.  Visitors can buy local smoked fish.  Tourist groups are invited to take part in an active leisure and cultural event, complete with dishes of fish that will fill their stomachs, a boot-tossing event at the sea, stories by the wives of the fishermen, a theatrical performance, smoking of fish, and tasting of fish.

Preservation of coastline fishing traditions

For the preservation of the material heritage of the mill and promotion of the skills of the craft

Rideļi mill has been reborn in new quality. The mill that was built in the 20s of the 20th century now hosts a modern exposition of historical milling mechanisms and devices, as well as household and other objects used at the farm. Detailed descriptions, technical drawings and pictures of the devices have been developed. The visitors can access all floors of the mill either themselves or accompanied by a guide.

Par latvisko pirts tradīciju uzturēšanu un daudzināšanu.

Saimnieki piedāvā latviskos pirts rituālus, kur pēršanās procesu pavada dziesmas un zāļu tējas. Saimniece Anita ir arī vietējais gids, kura stāsta par Gaiziņkalna apkaimi, šejienes dabu un tradīcijām.

Par tradicionālo ārstniecības augu mūsdienīgu lietojumu

Saimniecībā, kas atrodas ainaviskā Auziņu ezera nogāzē, atrodas saimnieka – Jāņa Ulmja veidotā un uzturētā Vidzemē plašākā ārstniecības augu brīvdabas ekspozīcija, kurā ir aptuveni trīs simti dažādu augu sugu un šķirņu. Saimnieks vada ekskursijas un dalās savā pieredzē ar tiem, kas vēlas papildināt savas zināšanas par Latvijas ārstniecības augiem, par iespējām tos izmantot pārtikā un veselības atjaunošanā. Ciemiņi var iegādāties jau gatavas ārstniecības tējas, gan arī degustēt saimnieka pagatavoto ārstniecības augu smūtiju.

This is the only location in Latvia where tourists can learn about how birch juice is obtained and various beverages are produced from it.  Visitors can taste various birch juice products – syrups, fresh birch juice, wine, lemonade, sparkling wine and fermented birch juice (the offer depends on the season).  The owner stores birch juice in his cellar and offers it to be purchased.

For developing Latvian traditions in a modern way

For the promotion of bread traditions

SIA Saldus Maiznieks, which was founded in 1992, is a family business that produces approximately 2 tonnes of rye bread daily, which is made by using malt and natural leaven. The company offers excursions, during which the visitors are allowed to try the role of a baker. The excursions are conducted by Kristīne Kriņģele, the apprentice baker of Latvian Chamber of Crafts.

Die Akademie der Lebensfreude "Liela muiža", in der sich mit der Anfertigung von Bottichen, heißen Bottichen, Möbeln, Treppen, Türen und anderen im Haushalt notwendigen Sachen beschäftigen, bietet in der Sommersaison Übernachtungsmöglichkeiten im Gasthaus an. Im Erdgeschoss des Gasthauses befindet sich eine Festhalle für 30-35 Personen, ein Dampfbad mit Holzfeuerung und eine gut eingerichtete Küche (Miete der Räume und des Dampfbades ist ganzjährig). Übernachtung im Obergeschoss – ein Zimmer für 8 Personen und 5 Doppelzimer.

Die Gäste können den Fertigungsprozess der Bottische von Anfang an bis zum Endprodukt beobachten und auch selbst daran teilnehmen.

Par latvisko saimniekošanu – aitkopību - un uzturēšanu tradicionālā lauku vidē.

Par Lībiešu krasta kultūrvides saglabāšanu un daudzināšanu – lībiešu žogi.

Unikāla un privāti veidota žogu kolekcija, kas atspoguļo ~ 20 Lībiešu krastam raksturīgos piekrastes žogu veidus. Saimnieks 3 gadu laikā būvējis žogus, pēc senām fotogrāfijām, pētot lībiešu krasta apbūves tradīcijas. Te apmeklētāji var arī piedalīties zivju (butes, arī vējzivis un brekši) kūpināšanā, degustēt produkciju un noklausīties stāstījumu par piekrastes zvejniecības tradīcijām. Teritorijā atrodas arī brīvdienu namiņš un kempinga laukums.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For keeping the traditional sheep-breeding and wool crafting skills.

At Lejas Bregži in the Vaidava Parish, visitors will find a unique collection of woven chairs, chair-making instruments, photographs and other objects related to the manufacturing of chairs from the late 18^th to the mid-20^th century.  Īrisa Vainovska is a ceramics artist and will be delighted to tell visitors about the art of pottery.  Decorative plates, interesting wind chimes and other useful objects and souvenirs are available for purchase.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  A Latvian landscape, popularisation of Latvian crafts

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For keeping the pottery tradition.

This workshop offers useful and practical sauna equipment in accordance with Latvian craftsmanship traditions – bowls, ladles, tubs, bathtubs large and small, sauna switches, linen products and log saunas.  Visitors can tour the workshop, help with the craftsman’s work, and purchase sauna equipment.  During the summer, visitors can learn how to tie a sauna switch or manufacture a sauna ladle.

For maintaining traditional crafts (sauna equipment)

For the conservation and promotion of Suiti traditions

The collection developed at the ethnic centre allows to view a permanent exposition of Suiti folk costumes and to wear them. People, who wish to make Suiti folk costume may receive valuable advice. The association, under the lead of Dace Martinova, organises the International Bourdon Singing Festival, Suiti weddings, as well as actively manages the social and cultural life of Suiti, by introducing not only Latvian, but also foreign guests with it.

Par tradicionālas amata prasmes uzturēšanu – tāšu pīšanu

Zilupē, - pašā Latvijas pierobežā strādā tāšu meistars Jurijs Ivanovs, - viens no dažiem cilvēkiem Latvijā, kurš pēc seniem paraugiem un kādreizējo meistaru aprakstiem cenšas atjaunot Zilupes novada tāšu apstrādes tradīcijas, gatavojot dažādus izstrādājumus – traukus putraimu, ķiploku, sāls un saldumu glabāšanai, trauku palikņus, darbarīku rokturus u.c. Darbnīcas apmeklētāji var vērot amatnieka darbu un paši izgatavot tāšu tauri, glezniņu no tāss, vai arī uzrakstīt vēstuli uz tāss virsmas. Meistars organizē arī radošas darbnīcas un pieņem pasūtījumus.

For the promotion of craftsmen skills of Ance

Members of Paukers group under the leadership of Līga Grīnberga are located in landlord’s house of Ance Manor, where they demonstrate – how they knit socks, mittens, shawls, pullovers, how they embroider couch cushions, blankets, table cloths, dye shawls, weave blankets, towels, rugs, bookmarks, crochet toys, plaited baskets and wood products, as well as demonstrate the process of cooking sklandrauši (traditional carrot pie).

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For the skills of building and playing traditional music instruments.

Par tradicionālā ķimeņu siera daudzināšanu

Z/s „Blūdži” ir īsta lauku sēta, kurā dara visus tos darbus, kādus agrāk darīja katrā lauku saimniecībā. Saimniece Ināra Mālkalne, iesaistot pārējo ģimeni, gatavo sieru, cep maizi un pārstrādā dārzeņus, no kuriem taisa konservus, salātus un citus lauku labumus. Šī ir viena no retajām vietām, kur var braukt un mācīties, - kā gatavot tradicionālo ķimeņu sieru. Saimniecībā saražoto produkciju var iegādāties gan uz vietas, gan dažādos Latvijas tirdziņos.

The farm offers wheat and rye bread baked in accordance with old family recipes.  A special oven that is more than 70 years old ensures the taste and aroma of the bread, and the owners use antique baking tools such as a kneading trough, an oven peel and a dough hook.  Visitors can contact the farm in advance to arrange for a visit during which they can bake their own loaves of bread.  The owners will talk about the Jūrkalne mill, which was built in 1740 and once played a great role in bread baking traditions in the region.

Host:  Juris Lastovskis

Ancient skills:  Baking bread

Par biškopības prasmju daudzināšanu

Biškopības tradīcijas Aivars Radziņš uztur un kopj jau trešajā paaudzē. Viņa drava atrodas skaistajā Vecpiebalgas paugurainē. Biškopis ir atvērts ikvienam interesantam, vada ekskursijas un izglīto apmeklētājus par bišu dzīves noslēpumiem, izstaigājot paša izveidoto bišu taku. Saimniecībā dravo ar tradicionālajiem Latvijas stāvstropiem. Šeit var iegādāties tradicionālos biškopības produktus: dažādu ziedu medu, ziedputekšņus, bišu māšu peru pieniņu, vasku un vaska sveces un bišu mātes.
 

The potter uses clay, stone and other ceramics materials to produce dishes and interesting objects of interior design.  Ingrīda Žagata uses an open-fire kiln to fire her wares.  She offers tours, demonstrates her work, allows visitors to try their own hand at ceramics, invites people to attend the opening of the kiln, and accepts orders for new products.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Developing Latvian pottery traditions

Par latgalisko tradīciju un prasmju kopšanu

Biedrība „Jubra” aktīvi vāc un popularizē Latgales kultūras tradīcijas. Tas notiek „Ambeļu skreinē” – vēsturiskā koka ēkā, kas celta 20. gs. sākumā. No ēkas paveras skaistas ainavas uz Višķu ezeru. „Ambeļu skreinē” biedrība „Jubra” organizē un svin tradicionālos gadskārtu svētkus, izkopj un rāda amatu prasmes, rīko danču vakarus un dzer kāzas, kā arī taisa vakarēšanas ar dziedāšanu, zīlēšanu un citām izdarībām. Šeit cep maizi, sien sieru, rīko tematiskas izstādes. Pie mājas ierīkota brīvdabas pasākumu organizēšanas vieta ar ugunskuru.

This is a small family fishing operation that uses skills from its ancestors – men and women from many generations who have been born and raised in and around Ragaciems and have gone off to sea.  Visitors can examine fishing boat piers and net huts that were used to store equipment.  Such facilities also played a social role in that men would come together at them to discuss the work that needed to be done, while wives and children mended the nets.  Contact the venue in advance to arrange for tasting of fish while talking to real fishermen and learning all about their craft.

Hosts:  Fishermen in Ragaciems

Restoring and maintaining fishing skills

This is one of the few places in Latvia to offer a look at industrial equipment from the 19^th century that is still in good working order – a wool plucking and combing apparatus from the Šūberts Rudzītis & Co. company in Latvia, a unique spinning wheel from Germany, and a windmill used to grind grain.  Visitors can track the processing of wool on equipment that is 100 years old, watching how blankets and pillows stuffed with sheep wool are produced by hand.  There are souvenirs to purchase.  The owners organise celebrations on Latvian holidays – St Martin’s Day and the Summer Solstice, as well as evening visiting sessions from that were common in earlier times, complete with the baking of water pretzels.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Preservation of traditional crafts and skills

On the right bank of the Iecava River is a restored windmill.  The surrounding farm offers a collection of tools, farm equipment, mechanisms and household objects that are typical of Latvia’s countryside.  There is a blacksmith’s operation to visit.  On the second Saturday of each May, the thematic event “Springtime Work on the Farm” is organised.  A harvest festival is held on the first Saturday of September.  Visitors can help to bake bacon pierogi and loaves of bread in a true country oven.  The owner offers an informative tour of the area.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian traditions and events

Par latgaliešu dzēriena “šmakovka” tradīcijas uzturēšanu

Vienā no Malnavas muižas vēsturiskajām ēkām aktīvais latgaļu puisis Jānis Kritvežs ir izveidojis Latgales šmakovkas dedzinātavu. Tajā var iepazīt šī dzēriena vēsturi sākot no muižu laikiem līdz pat mūsdienām, apskatot dažādas šmakovkas darināšanas iekārtas, - gan tādas, kas paredzētas mājas apstākļiem, gan arī ražošanai industriālos apmēros. Šmakovkas darināšanas procesā tiek izmantoti graudi, augļi, kā arī gatavoti dažādi uzlējumi. Jānis iepazīstina ar melno pirtiņu, kur kādreiz darināts iesals, kā arī izvadā ekskursijā pa Malnavas muižas parku. 
 

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For keeping the fruit growing tradition

These people are Latvia’s only birch-bark weavers who have been declared People’s Masters of Handiwork, and one of only a few who offer visits to their workshop so that visitors can examine woven birch-bark objects and share experiences.  The owners will help visitors to try their own hand at producing simple woven objects, and these can be excellent souvenirs from the visit.  The master weavers have always taught their skills to younger generations.

Hosts:  Vizma and Pēteris Zvirbulis

Restoring and maintaining Latvian handicrafts:  Birch-bark weaving

The Zvanītāji Centre of Traditions is located in the heart of Rucava.  It is housed in a late 19^th century wooden building that has been turned into a museum which features the lifestyles of people more than 100 years ago.  Antique household objects are on display, as are folk costumes, stockings and mittens that are typical of Rucava.  The centre organises various events related to visiting, singing, playing and dancing, and it weaves useful textiles.  There are cultural and educational programmes such as “Evening Sessions” and “Celebratory Feasts in Rucava.” Guests can sing, dance and play music together with Rucava story-tellers, singers and musicians, also enjoying traditional foods such as rye bread, white butter with potatoes, potato pancakes, potato buns and carrot buns.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian traditions, Latvian foods, a Latvian building

Par maizes cepšanas latviskās tradīcijas uzturēšanu un daudzināšanu.

“Ievlejās” jau ir senas maizes cepšanas tradīcijas. Saimniece ar malku kurinātā klona krāsnī cep rudzu saldskābo maizi, kurai tuvākā un tālākā apkaimē ir daudz piekritēju. Ceptuve ir atvērta apmeklētājiem. Īpaši to iecienījušas skolu ekskursijas. Apmeklētāji var paši piedalīties kukulīša veidošanā, apskatīt muzeju un iepazīt maizes cepšanas tradīcijas ar mīklu, tautasdziesmu un dažādu spēļu palīdzību. Izmanto pašu saimniecībā ražotos graudus.

The owner of Dzīles prepares hearty Lettigalian dishes, offers countryside goodies, and teaches visitors how to bake tortes and pierogi.  “Dzīļi Bread” is a special food and a symbol of recognition in Kārsava.  Visitors can bake bread in accordance with ancient traditions, as well as taste and purchase bread.  The owner has studied local traditions that were originally introduced by the noblewoman of the local estate, and she uses both ancient and modern recipes to bake her wares.

Host:  Aina Barsukova

Latvian foods: Lettigalian cuisine

Par latviskas sētas uzturēšanu un podniecības kā tradicionālas amata prasmes daudzināšanu

Darbnīca izveidota latgaliskā sētā, radot autentisku Latgales novada sajūtu. Keramikas darbi top no Latgalē raktā māla, - ar kājminamo virpu, neizmantojot industriālas iekārtas. Tikko kā tapušie darbi tiek apdedzināti melnajā (svēpētajā) tehnikā, izmantojot ar malku kurinātu cepli. Darbnīcas apmeklētāji var noklausīties stāstu par podniecības vēsturi un tradīcijām, darboties ar mālu, piedalīties cepļa atvēršanas dienā, kā arī iegādāties jau gatavos darbus.
 

For the promotion of meadows

Association Ūdenszīmes and its leader Ieva Jātniece manage the building of the former Kaldabruņa primary school, where the association has developed the exposition of Meadow Museum. One of the annual events organised by the association is the Hay Days in the apple garden of the school. This is the time, when creative plein airs are organised in order to introduce the visitors to the diversity of Latvian meadows, while modern pieces of art are made from hay and plants.

Par “Graudu ceļš” izstrādi un daudzināšanu.

Izglītojošā ekspozīcija atrodas 19. gs. sešdesmito gadu beigās celtajās vējdzirnavās. Tā iepazīstina ar Latvijas graudu audzēšanas un pārstrādes tradīcijām, vienlaikus uzturot Latvijā vienīgās, tik labā tehniskā stāvoklī esošās vējdzirnavas. Apmeklētāji var gida pavadībā iepazīt dzirnavas un piedalīties pīrāgu cepšanā.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For popularisation of the Suiti cultural heritage.

The craftsman manufactures barrels, hot tubs, furniture, stairs, doors and other useful objects.  He’ll lead visitors on a tour, share his skills and experience, and offer people a chance to manufacture their own household objects.  Visitors can watch the barrel making process from start to finish and try out their own hand at using antique tools.  They will learn about the skills of a barrel maker and track the development of traditions in this regard.  The exhibition at the museum offers a look at antique barrels and equipment for manufacturing them.  Particular attention is paid to the process, with a thorough story about the process and the lifestyle that it involves.

For maintaining traditional skills (barrel making)

Für das Können des lettischen Handwerks – Holzhandwerk

In dem Park der Einbäume kann man die von dem Besitzer gefertigten Einbäume, das Modell des Schlosses von Nurmiža und andere Gebäudemodelle, sowie ein Haus aus Sand besichtigen. Hier kann man an verschiedenen thematischen Veranstaltungen teilnehmen. Männer können hier Rinnen für die Gewinnung von Birkensäften fertigen, aber Frauen – Schmuckstücke aus Naturmaterialien basteln. Einbaum-Erzeugnisse wurden von den Menschen schon im Mesolithikum hergestellt, aber Einbäume (im Park sind mehrere davon) wurden mehr ab dem 9. Jh. benutzt.

Helēna and Boļeslavs Munda

The Mežmalas farm in Latgale offers an interesting collection of household objects, tools and equipment from the 19^th and 20^th century.  Tourists can try their hand at making woven baskets.  The farm produces sauna switches and sells woven baskets and herbal teas.

For popularising traditional crafts

Valdis Pauliņš uses traditions that are centuries old in producing forms and decorations that are typical of the region in which he lives, thus making a major investment in the local society.  His ability to tell stories about ceramics to younger and older visitors makes it possible to view the powerful traditions of the past, as well as the culture of Latgale.  Visitors can learn about the product of ceramics from start to finish, try their own hand at the potter’s wheel, and take part in lighting the kiln.  Various ceramics products, souvenirs and garden ceramics are available for purchase.  The owner welcomes individuals, families, schoolchildren and large groups.

For popularising a traditional craft (pottery)

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This is one of the few locations in Latvia where you can find an active far that has the design and buildings of a typical farm in the historical region of Selonia.  The owners collect antique household objects and offer a tour featuring medicinal plants, a black sauna and Selonian foods.  They produce their own ingredients and work with other local farmers.  Examples of Latvian cuisine include crêpes, barley soup, thick potato soup, sautéed beans in a special sauce, manna with fruit, bread soup with whipped cream, tortes, herbal teas and a special area dish known as zeppelins.

Hosts:  The Skrejāns family

Preserving a traditional Selonian farm

Upholding the culinary traditions of the Selonian tribes

For the maintenance and promotion of wool processing craft

The only place in Kurzeme, where wool is still processed, as well as the only place in Latvia, where full cycle of wool processing is performed. The wool processing traditions in Pāce dates back to late 19th century. The visitors may view historical factory equipment that is still functioning, as well as to purchase wool blankets and pillows.

Guests will be greeted with music to improve their mood, after which they will enjoy a trip down the Roja River and into the sea with fishing boats or a ship.  Later there is a meal of fish soup cooked above a campfire, complete with table songs and dances.  Visitors can observe the smoking of fish and taste the smoked products along with beer and birch juice.  The wives of the fishermen will talk about traditional carrot buns and how they are baked.  Visitors will also learn a bit about the skills of a fisherman.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Coastline fishing traditions, Latvian foods

Par latvisko saimniekošanu – aitkopību - un uzturēšanu tradicionālā lauku vidē.

Saimnieki ne tikai saglabājuši 1890. g. celto ēku, bet arī kopj un uztur Latvijas tumšgalvas aitas kā vēsturisko Latvijas aitu šķirni. Apmeklētājiem te piedāvā naktsmītnes un iepazīt aitu ganāmpulku.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For blacksmith skills.

This working offers tours and events for adults and children, offering an interactive look at local trees and joining together with master craftsmen to check out antique instruments and play ancient games.  Visitors can try their hand at sawing wood with an old two-man saw, removing bark from a log, installing pins, manufacturing the first “crown” for a log building, or even “celebrating the ridgepole festival.”  At the conclusion of the tour, visitors will enjoy tea for strength and have a meal under the open sky or in the romantic Campfire Hut.  Wooden souvenirs are available, and furniture can be commissioned.

Host:  Laura Batarevska

Praising a Latvian skill:  Woodcrafts