All-Latvia Water Tourism Gathering "The Great Raft" 2025

On the Daugava River section betweenNīcgale and Jersika, the traditional All-Latvia water tourist gathering “The Great Raft” will take place, bringing together water tourism enthusiasts and professionalsfrom all over Latvia.

The organizers of “The Great Raft” –sports club “Beibuks” and the Tourism Department of the Upper Daugava Region's Culture and Tourism Administration have always aimed to make each event interesting and themed. One of the largest rafts was dedicated to the promotion of Latvian, Latgalian, and Selonia traditions and symbols, another voyage was themed around Latvia's centenary, and in another, ancient battles were reconstructed.

This year's “The Great Raft”coincides with the “Bee and Honey Festival” happening in Jersika, so the event's theme is also related to honey and beekeeping. We invite participants to be creative and think about both the appearance of their team and the decoration of their watercraft. Teams will have the opportunity to win valuable prizes in various categories, including for the best-decorated watercraft in line with the event's theme!

For many, “The Great Raft” isa highly anticipated and beloved event, offering a fantastic opportunity to spend one of the spring holidays actively participating in an exciting boat and raft ride onthe Daugava. This year, we start in Nīcgale and finish in the former cultural and political center of the ancient Latgalians, Jersika.

At the Bee and Honey Festival inJersika, participants will have the chance to taste honey products, learn interesting facts about bees, participate in creative workshops, and in educational activities organized by the Latvian Beekeepers' Association, as well as purchase delightful treats at the market.

Once again, we do not limitour participants in their choice of auxiliary means - equal opportunities are available for both boats and rafts, as well as other watercraft, so anyone interested can participate, regardless of their skills.

Participants provide their ownboats – canoes, kayaks, dinghies, inflatable or other rowing boats. If boat rental is needed, it is possible to contact the organizers' partners: www.daugavaslokos.lv

Event Program:
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM transportation from Jersika to the start in Nīcgale.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM participant registration.
9:50 AM – 10:00 AM briefing.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM event opening with bee and honey themes.
10:30 AM start.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM departure, activities at the first stop.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM lunch stop at Gospori.
5:00 PM – finish at Jersika school and activities.
Until 7:00 PM – setting up the tent city.
7:00 PM – awarding ceremony and concert program “Songs from the Heart” (featuringAndris Baltacis, Dainis Skutelis, Aldis Kise).

*9:00 PM – open-air dancewith Aldis Kise and the band “Wheel of Fortune”.

*Entrance to the dance 10 EUR(tickets for the open-air dance are purchased separately).