Three must-visit events in Latvia for tourists and photographers
Latvia annually hosts numerous significant international events. Among them, three stand out as exceptional choices for those seeking relaxation and photography, offering ample opportunities to capture breathtaking images. Let’s take a closer look at them now.
- Bauska Taste Music Festival
The Bauska Taste Music Festival is an annual event held in Bauska approximately 70 kilometers from the Latvian capital, Riga, showcasing a variety of music genres and attracting a diverse audience of enthusiasts. First held in 2014, the festival was created by local music enthusiasts to bring diverse musical genres to Bauska and showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of visitors from Latvia and other countries.
The Bauska Taste Music Festival has significantly impacted the Latvian music scene, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and gain exposure to a wider audience. The festival has also helped create a sense of community among musicians and fans, fostering a more vibrant and connected music scene in Latvia. Additionally, the festival has contributed to the local economy by attracting tourists and visitors to Bauska, benefiting the town’s infrastructure, including hotels and restaurants, with increased demand during the festival period.
- MXGP of Latvia in Ķegums
The MXGP of Latvia is held at the Kegums motocross circuit, located in the Kegums municipality, approximately 50 kilometers from the Latvian capital, Riga. The track features a combination of fast and technical sections, providing a true test for the riders. The event usually takes place in the summer, with ideal weather conditions for motocross racing. The first MXGP of Latvia took place in 2008 and has since become an integral part of the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar. Over the years, the event has witnessed numerous memorable moments and thrilling battles for supremacy among the world’s best motocross racers.
The MXGP of Latvia follows the standard format of the FIM Motocross World Championship, where riders compete in two races. The best-combined results determine the overall winner of the event. A rider who finishes in the top positions in both races can claim overall victory. The MXGP of Latvia is an important event for the motocross community, showcasing the sport’s best riders and providing them an opportunity to compete at the highest level. The event helps promote motocross in Latvia and inspires young riders to pursue their dreams of becoming professional motocross racers.
- FIA World Rallycross Championship in Riga
The FIA World Rallycross Championship event has been held in Riga since 2016, attracting fans and racers from all over the world. The first World RX event in Riga took place in 2016 at the Bikernieki Circuit. It has since become an annual fixture on the FIA World Rallycross Championship calendar, drawing top rallycross drivers and teams from around the globe. Over the years, the event has witnessed several thrilling races, with drivers battling for the coveted championship title.
The World RX in Riga follows the same format as other FIA World Rallycross Championship events, consisting of a series of heats, semi-finals, and a final race. Drivers compete in heats of six or eight, with the top four finishers in each heat advancing to the semi-finals. The top two finishers from each semi-final then progress to the final race. World RX in Riga has significantly impacted the motorsport community in Latvia and beyond, attracting thousands of fans to the Bikernieki Circuit and boosting tourism and the local economy. The race has helped raise the profile of rallycross in Latvia and the broader European region, inspiring a new generation of drivers and fans.
In conclusion
Latvia annually hosts three exceptional international events: the Bauska Taste Music Festival, MXGP of Latvia in Ķegums, and the FIA World Rallycross Championship in Riga. These events offer relaxation and a paradise for photographers while contributing to the local economy, promoting cultural heritage, and inspiring talent in music, motocross, and rallycross. Photos of these and more other events can be viewed on Latvian photographer AndrisR’s blog at andrisr.com.
