Rye bread events in Latvia

The Bread and Cider Festival will bring together the Rye Road and the Cider Road – two culinary tourism routes that introduce the bearers of Latvian identity – traditional rye bread and natural cider made from Latvian apples.

On this day, July 31, the Āraišu mill celebrates the new harvest of rye bread as every year. This year, in 2022, the celebration will have a broader scope, also involving cider made in Latvia from our apples , which symbolizes the combination of old and new traditions. Rye bread is the bearer of old Latvian culinary traditions. In turn, cider is a new product of Latvian identity, because only about 30 years ago, the cider culture began to develop in Latvia. We are rightly proud of our bread and cider, bringing it to the festive table, taking it with us on a village picnic, and enjoying it every day.

Bread Day in Āraiši Windmill

Each year on the last Sunday of July, bakers and bread enthusiasts, bread consumers and ancient tradition admirers, gather on the windmill hill to celebrate the day of Jēkabs, following an ancient tradition to celebrate fresh rye bread. The participants have access to bread baking workshops and creative workshops, children explore the Bread Loaf Trail, and music and traditional games are being played. There is also a Bread Market and an activity of turning the blades of the windmill takes place.

Bread Street in the Riga City Festival

Every year, the Latvian Bakers' Association takes part in the Riga City Festival and creates the Bread Street in the very centre of the city. The association is represented by the most active bakeries in Latvia, their best craftsmen, and their apprentices. All along the street, the bakers make and bake a variety of treats, tell people stories and legends about bread, and invite everyone to join in the activities they have prepared, such as solving riddles and recognising different cereals, ancient baker's tools, and bread ingredients. The Bread Street gives everyone the opportunity to learn about bread and to taste and purchase breads and bread and flour products that are both well-known and brand new, created with the modern consumer in mind.

Milk, Bread and Honey Festival in Jelgava

Every year, at the end of August, the “Milk, Bread and Honey Festival” takes place in Jelgava, giving everyone the opportunity to taste and buy the most delicious milk, bread and honey products from all over Latvia. A festive mood is ensured by open-air stage performances by several choirs, folk music ensembles and bands. Tastings and contests are held throughout the day, determining people’s favourite honey and bread products. Various creative workshops and sports activities also take place during the festival.

 Traditional Bread Festival 

The Bread Festival 2024 organized by local organisation "Otanka" will take place on August 10, on the Rude stage of Otaņki parish (behind the Rude school), from 1 PM to 4 PM o'clock. Let's celebrate rye bread, sourdough bread and white bread. In the master class, the real Latvian housewife Ilze Briede will share the variety of spreads that are spread on buns, the wooden through master Juris Balodis will tell and show about the specifics of making single-stick bowls for bread dough, the best local groups will have prepared thematic and informative performances, and children may play old time games with "Krāsu karuselis". There will be both an through exhibition of local residents and a cake tasting competition. The "Otanku gardumi" cafe will be open and you will be able to buy your through for bread making purposes or mybe for decorating your home, as well as goods from local producers. The best from Otanki parish for you! There are rumours that a real combine harvester will also stop by the festival!

There will be something for the whole family to do! See you at the Traditional Bread Festival in Rude stage of Otanki parish!