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On May 17, the international sand sculpture festival “Sand Signs 2025” will take place in Jelgava – 15 professional sculptors from 11 countries will transform sand into their interpretations of the theme “Mythical Figures”. As tradition, the sculptures will be showcased in the largest sand sculpture park in the Baltics, located on Pasta (Post) Island. On the festival day, visitors will also enjoy a rich cultural program with concerts, performances, and creative workshops. Discounted tickets are available till May 5 (included).

This year’s festival invites visitors to dive into legends and ancient tales, as mythical creatures and gods from cultures around the world are brought to life in sand. From the Norse goddess Freyja and Slavic god of the sun and abundance Radegast to the dangerous sirens of Greek mythology, the Wendigo from Canadian indigenous folklore, and the legendary werewolf (vovkulak) – these are just a few of the characters that will be featured. Visitors will not only explore myth and mystery but also be amazed by the technical artistry of the sculptures.

The festival’s largest artwork will once again be the demo sculpture, created this year by Latvian sculptor Agnese Rudzīte-Kirillova, and will depict Medusa.

According to the municipal institution “Kultūra,” the sculptures for this 19th international sand sculpture festival will be created by artists from Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Poland, Indonesia, Finland, India, the Czech Republic, Canada, and Bulgaria.

The 15 sculptors were selected from 35 applicants, judged on their interpretation of the theme, artistic expression, and technical skill. Artists will begin their work on May 10.

This year, the festival format has changed – the full program will be celebrated in one action-packed day. In addition to the stunning sand art, the festival will offer an engaging program for children and families. The stage will feature a musical performance “Safety Festival” by Arturs Gruzdiņš and the vocal studio “Knīpas un Knauķi”, as well as the musical show “Brīnumskapis”. In the first half of the day, children can visit the “House of Light and Senses”, where light and sand tables will spark imagination and creativity. Outside the house, interactive boards will help young visitors develop one of a sculptor’s key skills – tactile perception.

The event will also include a Zumba Fitness session led by Rolands Bartaševičs and the Zumba Dance Family – fun for all who enjoy movement and music.

In the evening, the open-air concert hall “Mītava” will host performances by “Riga Reggae”, Lithuania’s sensation “The Roop”, and the high-energy Latvian group “Bermudu Divstūris”.

The festival will take place on May 17 from 11 am to 11 pm.
Tickets are available at “Biļešu paradīze” ticket offices and online.
Discounted prices apply till May 5 (included):

• Adults: €10
• Schoolchildren, students, seniors, persons with disabilities: €5
• Family ticket: €20
• Special offer at Jelgava Culture House (advance purchase only):
  • With a Jelgava student card – €4
  • With a coupon from the April issue of “Jelgavas Vēstnesis” or Jelgava resident card – €7

All ticket points accept bank card payments, and tickets are also valid electronically shown in mobile device.