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From February 7 to 9, Jelgava will traditionally transform into an ice sculpture kingdom. The 26th International Ice Sculpture Festival will take place on Pasta (Post) Island, at the public ice skating rink, and along Jānis Čakstes Boulevard. Thirty-five sculptors from 13 countries will carve and polish 80 tons of crystal-clear ice to reveal their vision of the theme “The Story of the Universe.” The festival will be accompanied by an extensive entertainment program – sculpture-making duels, a fire show, ice games, children’s performances, and musical performances. Tickets will be available at a reduced price until January 31.

The festival in Jelgava continues to be one of the largest ice sculpture events in the world. “We offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness world-class artistic creativity, which will be available for just a few days, along with a diverse entertainment program suitable for all ages. At the same time, the Jelgava festival remains one of the few remaining ice festivals in Europe that has preserved its competitive format, encouraging healthy competition and offering sculptors a platform for creative expression,” said Mintauts Buškevics, director of the municipal institution “Culture.”

He explains that as the festival approaches its third decade, one of the biggest challenges is selecting an appropriate theme for the event. “It is important for the theme to engage visitors of all ages, while also inspiring the creative imagination of artists and showcasing technical virtuosity. This time, we have invited artists from around the world to explore the grandeur and endless mystery of the Universe. The inspiration for the theme stems from humanity’s ancient desire to understand the depths of space, the birth of planets, the dance of stars, and the secrets of galaxies. It also creates space for philosophical reflections about who we are and what values we represent in this Universe,” says M. Buškevics.

Sculpting Skills Showcased by 35 Artists from 13 Countries

Ahead of the festival, a sketch competition jury selected the best works for this year’s event. The organizers note that the competition attracted a large number of international sculptors, with 25 teams and 50 sculptors from 21 countries submitting applications. This required thorough evaluation, considering the artwork’s message, aesthetic value, technical sketches, and the artists’ experience. A total of 15 teams, or 30 sculptors, from 13 countries – including Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Germany, the Czech Republic, Mongolia, Italy, Poland, Indonesia, Argentina, and, for the first time in the competition’s history, Iran and Japan – were confirmed to participate.

From February 1 to 7, the sculptors will create 45 competition ice sculptures – 15 of them on Pasta Island as a team effort, while 30 will be individually created along Jānis Čakstes Boulevard. Additionally, five artists will be working on ice bars and photo sculptures, allowing visitors to become part of the artwork – stepping into a rocket, peering through a star telescope, joining the Little Unknown on the Moon, and discovering other thematic characters.

Dozens of Stories of the Universe Brought to Life in Ice

The festival’s theme has inspired a wide range of sculptors’ interpretations, meaning that visitors will encounter a diverse array of ice art. For example, motifs from the Big Bang theory will be brought to life in ice – depicting the birth of the Universe and the energy explosion that created the world. Sculptures will explore planetary systems, the Milky Way galaxy, and other cosmic objects. Sculptors will also reflect on human relations with space, showcasing both scientific achievements and philosophical thoughts about our place in the vastness of the Universe. There will also be sculptures based on legendary star stories and mythology – such as the Greek mythological figures Orion, Andromeda, and other constellations. Artists will also provoke thought about the future of the Universe and humanity’s future in space, including colonized planets, interactions with other life forms, and the role of artificial intelligence.

Two Stages and gaming area at the Skating Rink

In addition to more than 60 ice art objects, the festival will feature a grand entertainment program. Pasta (Post) Island’s outdoor concert hall “Mītava” will be the main venue for themed children’s performances, while in the evening, music concerts will be held. For the first time, visitors will be able to enjoy an ice gaming area at the public skating rink on Pasta (Post) Island, where they can join in chess, table hockey, and domino tournaments. On Jānis Čakstes Boulevard, the stage will host sculpting demonstration duels, dance performances, and a fire show. As evening falls, a laser show will brighten the festive atmosphere, with repeats visible from anywhere in the festival area.

During the festival, visitors are also encouraged to explore other tourism attractions in Jelgava. For example, the Gederts Elias Jelgava History and Art Museum will extend its opening hours until 8 PM on February 7 and 8, and other local tourist sites have adjusted their hours accordingly. You can learn more about tourism options during the festival on the website www.visitjelgava.lv.

Preparing for the Festival and Exploring the Program

Visitors are encouraged to prepare for the festival in advance to fully enjoy the extensive program. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, which will make the visit more comfortable and cheaper. We also suggest reviewing the program and considering the best time to attend. For example, families with children may find the morning hours attractive when themed children’s performances take place. It is important to note that a one-day ticket, purchased in advance, allows multiple visits to the festival area on the same day. For those visiting during the day, there will be an opportunity to return in the evening for a concert or other activities that match their interests.

Additionally, due to changes in municipal regulations, dogs are now allowed on Pasta (Post) Island, including during the festival. However, pet owners must ensure their dogs are on a leash and are responsible for cleaning up after them, as in other public outdoor areas.

Tickets Available at a Discounted Price in Advance

Until January 31, tickets can be purchased at a reduced price at the “Billetes Paradize” ticket office. A one-day ticket for adults costs €10, while tickets for students, pensioners, and people with disabilities cost €5. Family tickets and tickets with a “3+ Family Card” are also available for €20 in advance. At the Jelgava Culture House ticket office, tickets with the December “Jelgavas Vestnesis” Ice Sculpture Festival coupon or with a Jelgava resident card cost €7, and tickets for Jelgava school students cost €4.

From February 1, the price for adult tickets will increase to €15, for students, pensioners, and people with disabilities to €7, and family tickets will cost €30. Children up to seven years old can enter the festival free of charge. Once purchased, tickets will be valid for any day of the festival.

On the festival days, ticket offices will be located at Pasta (Post) Island, near the Student Theater, and at the beginning of Jānis Čakstes Boulevard, near Lielā Street. You can also pay by credit card at all ticket purchase locations.

Pasta (Post) Island Closure and Traffic Restrictions

Starting January 30, Pasta (Post) Island will gradually be closed to visitors, with access granted only for those paying the entry fee. From February 4, the section of Jānis Čakstes Boulevard from Lielā Street to Elektrības Street will be closed, and other traffic restrictions will be in place around the festival area. For more information on traffic changes before and during the festival, visit www.jelgava.lv, or check the latest updates on the “Waze” app.

The festival is organized by Jelgava City and the “Culture” institution, with support from the companies “Ramirent” and “Husqvarna.”

By attending the event, visitors agree to be filmed and photographed. The recorded material may be broadcast, reproduced, and distributed without limitation. More information about personal data processing in Jelgava municipality is available here.