Third "Rakstivāls" writing festival taking place in Līgatne

The "Zeit" creative quarter in Līgatne is hosting the third edition of the "Rakstivāls" writing festival today, drawing writing enthusiasts from both Latvia and abroad.

International program

The festival brings together Latvian and foreign writers, teachers, journalists, artists and educators who share experience and lead hands-on sessions. Foreign guests include Lithuanian creative writing teacher Gabriele Labanauskaite, French writer Sandra de Vivjē, and Venezuelan-Latvian writer Lorena Briedis, who heads the European Association of Creative Writing Programmes. They will give talks and workshops in English for writing professionals.

One of the organizers, writer Inga Žolude, notes that the masterclasses led by Latvian writers are open to any visitor, since writing is something anyone can do.

Writing in many contexts

This year's program explores writing as part of everyday life — from language preservation and national culture to child development, artistic expression, journalism and other fields. Several well-known authors and professionals will give readings on the "Rakstrunu" stage.

Workshop attendees can try various forms of writing, including flash fiction, therapeutic writing, calligraphy, zine-making, songwriting and critical writing, alongside a separate program for children. Workshop spots are limited.

The festival also includes so-called "rakstivitātes" — activities designed to inspire writing, such as a collective writing circle, an interactive performance, conversations, and a walk through Līgatne for families. The day will close with a musical-literary event — a poetry disco hosted by the culture magazine "Satori".