All-Latvia Horse Parade in Balvi

If you are still unsure where to go with friends or family on the weekend, Balvi offers interesting events suitable for families with children.

On May 17, in the city of Balvi, one of the most unusual and exciting parades in Latvia will take place – the All-Latvia Horse Parade. On this day, more than 40 horse owners from all over Latvia will gather in Balvi to promote horse breeding and introduce the diversity of horse breeds. Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity not only to be with horses and enjoy their presence but also to engage in activities at local museums and churches, participate in Museum and Church Night events, and spend family time participating in various exciting family day activities.

Festival Program:

From 10:00 AM, the Balvi Evangelical Lutheran Church will be open, with bell sounds at 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM making the visit special.

From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM in Balvi, at 3b Bērzpils Street, in the courtyard behind the cafeteria "Come and Eat", everyone will have the opportunity to look into the "Horizon" tower and climb up to the second level platform – a place where the view opens up beyond everyday life.

From 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM at the Dzirnavu Street beach, you can take a raft trip on "Vilnītis", enjoying the tranquility of Lake Balvi and picturesque views (paid service).

From 11:00 AM, the Balvi District Museum will be open to visitors, where they can view the permanent exhibitions as well as a special exhibition prepared for this event on horse equipment "I Know What the Good Colt Needs". In the evening hours, the museum will host educational stories about values and history:

7:00 PM "The Story of Northern Latgale's Cultural Heritage"

7:30 PM "The Story of Balvi City"

8:00 PM "The Story of the Matis Family"

8:30 PM "The Story of Freedom"

9:00 PM "The Story of Art"

At 12:00 PM, the All-Latvia Horse Parade – a royal quadriga, an elegant pair, different types of single horses, and riders dressed in exquisite costumes will march through the streets of Balvi.

At 1:00 PM, there will be horse demonstrations in the territory of Balvi Manor – show jumping, carriage driving demonstrations, and artistic dressage, which will reveal the artistic and precise cooperation between horse and rider. Simultaneously, creative workshops for children will be held.

At 2:00 PM, a children's and youth concert "By Doing and Achieving – Finding Strength in Family" will take place in the territory of Balvi Manor, featuring performances by the Children's Vocal Studio "Notes" from the Balvi Culture and Recreation Center, the dance ensemble "Balvi Wolf Pups", and the Balvi District Children's and Youth Center dance studio "Di-dancers" and singing club participants.

In the territory of Balvi Manor, visitors will have the opportunity to take a carriage ride or try horseback riding. There will also be a horse taxi available, providing transportation between the Balvi Manor area and the Balvi Evangelical Lutheran Church (paid service).

From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, it will be possible to visit the Balvi State Gymnasium's school museum and view the exhibition. At 4:00 PM, an event "Our Values' Stories – On the Way to the School Youth Song and Dance Festival" will take place in the gymnasium's auditorium.

From 7:00 PM until midnight, the Motor Club "Spieķi vējā" clubhouse (at 19 Stacijas Street) will be open.

At 10:00 PM, Lāča Park will transform into a space filled with light and poetry, where actors from the Balvi People's Theater will invite you to an emotional performance "Stories of Stones".