The Power of Handmade: Latvia’s Grand Celebration of Craft
As every year since my debut in 2014, I take part in the largest craft event in Latvia — a tradition that brings together hundreds of makers and artists from across the country. Set within the open-air grounds of the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, this gathering is far more than a market. It is a living showcase of cultural memory, where generations of skill meet contemporary creativity.
Latvia holds a uniquely strong craft tradition. Here, handmade is not a forgotten relic or luxury niche — it is woven into our identity. Techniques have been passed down through centuries: weaving, pottery, wood carving, metalwork, leather crafting, natural dyeing, and basket making. Each piece carries the hand of its maker and the quiet rhythm of time, something no factory line can replicate.
For me personally, it is not only a selling event - it is a treasured opportunity to reconnect — with my clients, but even more deeply with my fellow makers. It is a space of mutual inspiration, shared stories, and genuine appreciation for the slow, intentional process of handmade creation.
It has always been my most anticipated shopping event of the year — the place where I discover timeless pieces I treasure for years: linen and wool garments dyed with plants, sculptural jewelry, handwoven willow baskets, beautifully tooled leather belts, and artisan foods that speak of local soil and seasons.
For visitors from abroad, this festival offers a rare and authentic glimpse into Latvia’s soul. This is where you see the country not through monuments or museums alone, but through the hands and hearts of its people.
📍 Plan your visit: http://brivdabasmuzejs.lv/en/
The event takes place every year on the first weekend of June and is truly a full-day experience. I highly recommend arriving on Day 1 — many of the most special treasures are already gone by Sunday, and exploring everything Latvia has to offer can easily take an entire day (and more!).
If you value authenticity, tradition, and the quiet power of handmade, this is an annual pilgrimage worth adding to your calendar.
