Culture mark "Latvian heritage"

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For popularisation and fostering of Latvian traditions.

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.

Vējavas is on the shore of the Bay of Rīga in Vidzeme and in the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.  Vējavas is a former fisherman’s homestead with its own cultural history, aura and magnificence.  Groups of various sizes can go to sea in a fisherman’s boat to watch the fishing process.  They can engage in conversations with fishermen to learn about lampreys and the lives of fishermen.  The lamprey weir on the Svētupe River differs from those on the Salaca River in terms of its structure and the fishing principles.  Tasty lampreys and smoked and cooked during the season.  A film about fishing for lampreys is available for viewing.

For preserving the traditions of coastline fishermen

This lovely farm is near Valdeķi, and visitors will experience true Latvian farm life.  The venue features goats, sheep, horses, geese, chickens, rabbits, etc.  Visitors can learn about milking cows and producing meat, they can examine a collection of antique tools, enjoy a country sauna with birch and juniper switches, swim in the local pond and taste herbal teas.  The venue has a volleyball court, horseback riding, space for tents, and a lean-to with an outdoor kitchen.  Visitors can spend the night in a room, on the second floor of the sauna or, during the summer, in the granary.

Host:  Signe Ezeriņa

Preserving the traditional Latvian lifestyle

For popularisation of culture of bread

Lāči brend bread is popular in latvia and abroad, because the bakery uses ancient mastery and skills. You can take a tour of the bakery, knead and bake your own little loat of bread, have lunch at a cosy saloon and purchase the bakery's products.

Par mežsaimniecības tradīciju daudzināšanu

Egļavā, bijušajā kūts/klēts ēkā ir izveidots privāts muzejs, kura ekspozīcijā atspoguļota mežsaimniecības pieredze Latvijā pirmskara un pēckara periodos. Tepat apskatāmas arī Balvu novadā tapušās tekstilijas, keramikas un kokamatniecības darinājumi. Aldis Pušpurs apmeklētājus iepazīstina ar meža apsaimniekošanas vēstures līkločiem un vada ekskursijas. Ceļotājiem pieejama pirts un naktsmītnes.

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.

Par latviskiem ēdieniem

Igates pils teritorijā uz veco dzirnavu pamatiem ir izveidots Dzirnavu krodziņš, kur ik pa laikam griežas dzirnavu rats, samaldams graudus, no kuriem pavāri gatavo gardus ēdienus. Dzirnavu krodziņā viesiem galdā tiek celta irdeno miežu putra ar apceptu gaļu, putraimdesa ar brūkleņu mērci, cepti miežu plāceņi, baraviku zupa, cepta zandarta fileja, cūkgaļas ribiņas, bet slāpes ceļinieki var atveldzēt ar lauku kvasu.

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.

The herd of horses at Untumi is bred and updated.  The farm also purchases horses which are in line with the historical requirements of Latvian breeds of horses.  Visitors can learn horseback riding skills with the help of an instructor.  This occurs in a limited territory.  During the summer there are cart rides, and in the winter there are sleigh rides.  The horses are used for weddings and other ceremonies.

For maintaining the traditions of horse breeding

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian landscape, Latvian breeds of horses

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.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For reviving and maintaining the market traditions.

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.

Für das Popularisieren des lettischen Handwerks. Für lettische Gerichte. Für das Pflegen der lettischen Traditionen

In dem  Zentrum der Handwerker von Ludza kann man Werke besichtigen und kaufen, die mehr als 40 Handwerker aus der Region Latgale geschaffen haben. Hier kann man eine Führung bestellen, die ein in altlettgallischer Kleidung angezogener Reiseführer leitet. In dem Suprādki-Zimmer erzählt er über das Leben der alten Baltenstämme, die Entstehung und die Entwicklung der Handwerkschaft, über die alten Ethik- und Arbeitsgesetze und Traditionen. Hier kann man Vorführungen von alten Gewerben zuschauen, sowie diese Gewerbe auch erlernen. Gruppen können eine Mahlzeit bestellen, bei der auch die Vorbereitung von lettgallischen Gerichten und Getränken, sowie des Brotes gelehrt wird.

Vējavas is on the shore of the Bay of Rīga in Vidzeme and in the Northern Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.  Vējavas is a former fisherman’s homestead with its own cultural history, aura and magnificence.  Groups of various sizes can go to sea in a fisherman’s boat to watch the fishing process.  They can engage in conversations with fishermen to learn about lampreys and the lives of fishermen.  The lamprey weir on the Svētupe River differs from those on the Salaca River in terms of its structure and the fishing principles.  Tasty lampreys and smoked and cooked during the season.  A film about fishing for lampreys is available for viewing.

For preserving the traditions of coastline fishermen

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.

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR:  For preserving the traditional rural environment.

In 1957, the Skrīveri Food Factory became the first company in Latvia to produce what soon became Latvia’s national candy – the penuche fudge known as “Gotiņa” (Little Cow).  In 2011, a family from Skrīveri took over the historical manufacturing facilities, using age-old recipes to cook, wrap and sell the candies.  These are made of condensed milk and sweet cream butter, and the “Gotiņa” candies are always made by hand.  Visitors can purchase candies and take a tour of the plant.  The owner is the main candy master and loves to talk about his work.

Hosts:  Baiba and Aigars Lūsis

Preserving a Latvian brand:  The “Gotiņa” candy

Visitors can examine antique pottery tools and dishware produced by old masters at Silajāņi, listen to the stories that are told by a guide, and watch videos from the 20^th century.  Demonstrations of turning can be seen at the workshop, and the master will talk about how ceramics are produced.  Traditional Lettigalian ceramics are for sale.  Visitors can try their hand at the pottery wheel.  The pottery that they produce will be fired and painted and later delivered by mail.

Preservation of traditional crafts – Lettigalian pottery

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

LATVIAN HERITAGE CULTURAL MARK IS AWARDED FOR: For fostering of the traditional bee-keeping skills.

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. 
 

Par podniecības kā tradicionālas amata prasmes daudzināšanu

Uģa Puzuļa keramikas darbnīca atrodas ļoti skaistā vietā – Alūksnes augstienes paugurainē, no kuras paveras izcilas skatu ainavas. Keramiķis ir vienīgais plašajā Alūksnes novadā, kurš veido Vidzemei raksturīgās podniecības formas ar Latgales krāsu gammu. Darbnīcas viesi var paši darboties ar mālu, apgleznot to un piedalīties apdedzināšanas procesā. Gatavo produkciju var iegādāties gan uz vietas, gan amatnieku tirdziņos.

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

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

Par latviskās maizes daudzināšanu

Maiznīcas pirmsākumi ir meklējami 1991. gadā, kad divi kurzemnieki – Normunds un Lāsma Bomji nolēma izveidot uzņēmumu, kurā iedzīvināt maiznieka Alberta Blumberga zināšanas. Tagad maiznīcā „Lielezers” strādā jau vairāk nekā 100 darbinieku, t.sk. 2 meistari un 7 zeļļi. Maiznieku roku apmīļotas top dažādu veidu rudzu, saldskābā un kviešu maize, kā arī dažādi konditorejas izstrādājumi. Salinātā rudzu rupjmaize, ko cep tieši uz klona un bez tumšā iesala, ir ieguvusi ES garantēto tradicionālo īpatnības sertifikātu.
 

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

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

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)

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)

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

The attractive potter is one of four ceramics artists taking part in the so-called Pūdnīki School of pottery.  He uses information from his ancestors in his work.  Visitors to the workshop can watch Aivars producing his wares, starting with the spinning wheel and ending with the firewood-fired kiln.  The artist’s output is on display and can be purchased.  Visitors can commission artworks and try their hand at pottery themselves.  The workshop also has a collection of antique irons and farm objects that have come from the nearby area.  Vēsma Ušpele produces oil paintings and will be happy to display her artworks.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  The craft of pottery

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

This farm features a unique collection of fencing, with some 20 types of fences that have been typical along the Liv Shore in Latvia.  During the past three years, the owner has built these fences on the basis of old photographs and an examination of building traditions in the region.  Visitors can help to smoke local fish (plaice, garfish and bream), taste the smoked fish, and listen to stories about coastline fishing traditions.  The venue offers a holiday hut and an area for camping.

Host:  Andris Antmanis

Preserving and praising the cultural environment of the Liv Shore: Liv fencing

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

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.

The museum presents the process of baking bread from the grain to the loaf.  Visitors are welcome to bake their own bread, taste bread and herbal teas, and enjoy theatrical performances for any event in life – Christenings, weddings, birthdays, etc.  Local dishes such as dumplings and soup made of dried mushrooms or fish from the nearby lake are served.  Visitors who contact the museum in advance can also enjoy a performance by a local folk dancing group.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Latvian foods (bread)

This farm offers a chance to learn all about how medicinal plants are grown and prepared.  The plants are in the ecologically clean and lovely “Curves of the Daugava” Nature Park.  The owners grow common medicinal plants such as oregano, St John’s wort, wormwood, lemon balm, immortelle, etc. – some 25 different plants in all.   Visitors can take an educational tour, taste the teas and purchase mixtures of teas to bring home.  In addition to medicinal plants, the farm also offers wax candles.

Host:  Ivars Geiba

Preserving Latvian traditions: Gathering and praising herbal teas

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

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 latviskās virtuves mūsdienīgu piedāvājumu

Krogs „Sidrabiņi” atrodas Rīgas – Tallinas ceļa malā, netālu no Jelgavkrastiem. Tas iekārtots, atjaunojot vēsturisku koka ēku. Blakus krodziņam izveidots gaļas pārstrādes cehs, kurā top pašu kūpināti gaļas izstrādājumi. Viesiem galdā tiek celti tādi gardi ēdieni kā bukstiņu putra ar čurkstinātu pašu kūpinātu cūkas krūtiņu, pašmāju pelēkie zirņi, putraimdesa ar ceptu speķi un āboliem, pašu kūpināts, sutināts cūkas stilbs ar sinepēm, mārrutkiem un tepat uz vietas skābētiem, štovētiem kāpostiem.
 

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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

This is a family company that was established in 2006 and produces homemade ice cream from fruits and berries grown locally.  There are classical plombir, cream and yoghurt ice creams and sorbets, as well as modern kitchen “miracles” such as ice cream made of sprats, blue cheese, horseradish and potatoes with tomato sauce.  80 different types of ice cream have been produced.  This is the only place in Latvia which offers five dishes with ice cream as a side dish.

For Latvian food crafts

Visitors can examine a large collection of antique musical instruments and hear stories about how they were manufactured and used.  Those with musical talents can play the instruments or commission and purchase handmade instruments.  Visitors who contact the workshop in advance can enjoy a concert performed by an Estonian family cappella.

SIGN AWARDED FOR:  Crafts (manufacturing antique musical instruments)

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.