Located just a few miles from the Baltic coast, the historic town of Grobiņa is preparing for its annual city festival from 29 to 31 May. Under the theme “Strength from Roots, Joy from Celebrations,” this three-day event offers a unique window into Latvian heritage, blending medieval history with a vibrant contemporary arts scene. For international visitors and expatriates in the region, the festival serves as an accessible entry point into the traditions of South Courland (Dienvidkurzeme).
Grobiņa holds a significant place in Northern European history, once serving as a major Viking-age settlement known as Seeburg. Today, the town utilizes its atmospheric 13th-century Livonian Order castle ruins as the primary stage for its most prestigious cultural events. The upcoming festival is designed to cater to all generations, moving from traditional folk parades to high-octane motorsports and indie-rock performances.
Friday, 29 May: Traditions and Nighttime Adventure
The festivities commence on Friday evening with the traditional festive procession. This colourful parade features local residents, artisans, and performers winding through the town streets toward the historic castle ruins. The opening night focuses heavily on the fusion of folk and modern sounds.
Following the parade, the musical programme begins with Katrīna Dimanta and the group “Zeltrači.” Dimanta, well-known to followers of the Eurovision Song Contest, brings a high-energy approach to Latvian folk music. The evening will also showcase local choreography from dance collectives such as “Spararats” and “Sudmaliņas,” providing a look at the intricate traditional costumes and rhythmic storytelling of the region. For those seeking more active engagement, the night concludes with a night orienteering competition, testing the stamina and navigation skills of participants under the cover of darkness.
Saturday, 30 May: Markets, Motorsports, and Modern Beats
Saturday is the festival’s most intensive day, beginning with a large-scale market of artisans and home producers. This is an essential stop for visitors looking to sample authentic Latvian rye bread, local honey, and smoked meats, or to purchase hand-crafted amber jewellery and linen textiles.
Automotive enthusiasts are particularly well-served this year. The streets will host a retro car parade alongside high-performance vehicles from the famous “Kurzeme” rally. A highlight of the 2024 programme is the “Retro Auto Tourism Rally,” which makes its debut in South Courland. This event sees historic vehicles navigating a specific scenic route, combining the charm of vintage engineering with the dynamic energy of the festival.
The afternoon at the castle ruins will be dedicated to “Dejotprieks Grobiņā,” a contemporary dance concert featuring youth groups from across the region, including Kandava and Priekule. As evening approaches, the musical tone shifts toward post-folk and indie-rock. Performances by Kaspars Markševics and Jānis Aizupietis lead into the headline acts: Miks Dukurs and the internationally acclaimed indie-rock band Carnival Youth. Known for their appearances at major European festivals and tours across the UK, Carnival Youth represents the modern face of the Latvian music export.
Sunday, 31 May: A Serene Musical Finale
The final day of the festival adopts a more reflective tone. The Grobiņa Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a concert by the students of the Grobiņa Music and Art School. This performance serves as a “musical gift” to the town, offering a serene conclusion to the weekend’s high-energy activities. The acoustics of the historic church provide a fitting environment to contemplate the “roots” mentioned in the festival’s theme.
Planning Your Visit
Grobiņa is situated approximately 210 kilometres from the capital, Riga, and is easily accessible via the A9 highway. It is located only 10 kilometres from the coastal city of Liepāja, making it an ideal day trip or weekend extension for those visiting the Latvian seaside. Most festival events, including the concerts at the castle ruins and the street markets, are free of charge to the public. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early on Saturday to secure parking, as the automotive rallies and markets traditionally draw large crowds from across the Baltic states.
Source: Dienvidkurzemes novada pašvaldība
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