Jelgava is extending operating hours at key tourist attractions this weekend, February 7th and 8th, to accommodate visitors attending the 27th International Ice Sculpture Festival. The festival, which began today, features ice sculptures created around the theme of “The Power of Illusion,” according to a statement from the city.
Several venues will remain open later than usual. Jelgava’s Holy Trinity Church Tower Exhibition Hall, its viewing platform and historical exhibits, and the Tourist Information Center will operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on February 7th and from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on February 8th. Jelgava Old Town House will welcome visitors from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on February 7th and from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on February 8th, with a guided tour of the building’s history and restoration process scheduled for 3:00 PM on February 8th.
The Gederts Eliass Jelgava History and Art Museum will be open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on February 7th and from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on February 8th. The Adolfs Alunāns Memorial Museum will maintain the same hours both days, operating from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. “Anru motors” vintage vehicle collection will be accessible from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both festival days.
This year’s festival features the work of 20 sculptors from 12 countries – Argentina, Indonesia, Poland, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Spain, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia – who were selected following a sketch competition, as reported by Jauns.lv. The sculptures will remain on display for as long as weather permits after the festival concludes, with a fee for viewing.
In addition to the ice sculptures, the festival program includes sculpture-making demonstrations, science shows, illusionist performances, ice games, a children’s slide, concerts featuring Latvian musicians including the group “Instrumenti”, Normunds Rutulis with the Riga Famous Orchestra, and the ethno-music group “Tautumeitas”, and a laser show. Jelgava City Council Culture Department head Mintauts Buškevics stated that the festival aims to provide visitors with a genuine winter experience, according to LSM.lv.
The 27th International Ice Sculpture Festival awarded laureates on February 8th, though the winners were not immediately announced.