Rītupe Festival

From August 15 to 28, a festive atmosphere will prevail in Kārsava – the Rītupe Festival invites residents and guests to celebrate joy, creativity, and community together. Let's celebrate together – honoring the youngest residents in newborn greetings, childhood, and youth festivities. We will pay attention to the young people who fill the banks of Rītupe with their enthusiasm and ideas, and we will thank all the active community members who bring significant changes to our community life with their work, passion, and participation. The festival program will offer sports competitions, musical performances, circus shows, and a magnificent fireworks display. The main day of the festival – August 16 – promises to be especially bright and heartfelt.

Rītupe Festival Program

On August 15, the focus of the Rītupe Festival will be on the youth. The festival program will begin on Friday evening with an inspiring presentation of local non-governmental organizations and institutions titled “Get to Know the Active Ones of the Region!”. Participants will include Ludza Municipality NGOs, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Malnava College, Kārsava High School, SIA “Sistering”, and other active representatives of the region.

At 8:00 PM, we will honor the youth of Kārsava city and Malnava parish, marking their special life phase – Youth Celebrations. From 9:00 PM, the music festival “Muzykys Tracs” will take place at Kārsava's “Krosta” stage, featuring FK “Upīte”, bands “Staiguļi”, “Unknown Artist”, and others. The special guest – the band “Borowa MC”. During the evening, there will also be a karaoke contest with Normunds Liepiņš. There will be an opportunity to try singing and win sympathy prizes!

Saturday, August 16 – heartfelt, colorful, and together!

The festive morning will start with the honoring of newborn citizens and children's events. Little visitors will be delighted by the Big Transformers Robot Show. Right after the show, we will celebrate childhood festivities for those born in 2019 and honor the Kārsava and Malnava natives born in 2007.

From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, various creative activities will take place at the Kārsava Cultural History Center “Līču mājas” – face painting, creative workshops, pigeon acquaintance, and pony rides. There will also be a home-producer and artisan market with treats, creations, and surprises for the whole family. Nearby, at Vienības Street 64a, there will be exhibitions and demonstrations by the State Border Guard, National Guard, and State Fire and Rescue Service. At 2:00 PM, everyone is invited to participate in individual competitions in darts and checkers.

At 3:00 PM, a sacred music concert will take place at the Malnava Rosary of the Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church. In the evening, at 6:00 PM, a festive concert will begin at Kārsava's “Krosta” stage together with the Daugavpils Dark Blue Choir, featuring festive speeches and the honoring of active residents.

Immediately after, an exciting circus program and the honoring of the photo action “Stories of Rītupe Banks” participants will take place at Vienības Street 64a. At 9:00 PM, the festival stage at Kārsava's “Krosta” will resound with the band “Baritoni”, followed by a lively ball with the Punculis Brothers and a disco with DJ Artix. The festival climax at 11:00 PM – a surprise gift from SIA “Salenieku dolomīts” – a magnificent fireworks display.

From August 19 to 28, the spirit of the Rītupe Festival will continue in a sporty manner – with a chess tournament, a run in the “Zīdūņs” active recreation park, beach volleyball, tennis, football, and mamanet tournaments, as well as exciting bike orienteering and other activities for both children and adults.