Kristaps Kunrads, the manager of the Babīte Rhododendron Nursery, mentions the most important reasons that the park can be rightly proud of: the Babīte Rhododendron Nursery has the largest collection of rhododendrons in the Baltic States; 146 self-created rhododendron varieties grow here; here you can find the tallest rhododendron in the Baltic States (it reaches a height of 7 meters); Babīte Rhododendron Nursery has joined the Global Rhododendron Conservation Association to save the world’s endangered rhododendron species, and the most knowledgeable rhododendron growing experts work here.
On May 30, i.e. mood Thursday, the rhododendron trails will be complemented by a live music performance in the sounds of harp, violin, kokle and saxophone, while Latvia’s best guitarists Aivars Hermanis, Mārcis Auziņš and Kaspars Zemītis will perform on a specially created water stage, playing both solo performances and joining together at the climax of the evening in a joint concert program in which compositions by world-famous composers as well as their own compositions will be played in special arrangements, the organizers informed.
On May 31 – on the powerfully rocking Friday – DJ Uldis Rudaks will delight the visitors, playing special music for enjoying the rhododendron flower trails, but at At 21.00, the legendary group “Pērkons” will take the stage (this concert will be the first solo performance of the group after the death of Jur Kulakov). The band’s most popular songs will be played at the concert: “Green Song”, “Slidotava”, “Good Night”, “Dziesma par sappururoto zaru”, etc., and the group’s performance will be enhanced by specially created special effects.
On June 1 – International Children’s Protection Day – the entire evening program will be created for the youngest visitors of the event. Children and their parents will be able to meet their favorite characters from fairy tales, animated films and TV series in Rhododendron Park. From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tutas the fox, Apsītis, the popular teddy bear Richie Roo, Sprīdītis and many other characters will visit the park, while at 21, the concert program for children created by “Fasaku nama” will be performed; there will be an opportunity to paint faces and participate in creative workshops. The organizers invite everyone to celebrate the last day of school and the beginning of summer with a proper children’s evening program.
At the end of the evening of each day of the festival, a unique laser projection installation in the sky will be visible, which will invite everyone to a miraculous walk of more than 40 meters in length, where colors and wind will play on the strings of 2.5 meters of threads. Walking through the alley, accompanied by music and laser beam lights, you will be able to create, search and find your mood story.
Various recreation areas are planned for the event, so that the activities can be enjoyed surrounded by beautiful flowers. The colorful landscapes of rhododendrons will also be complemented by a market with delicious drinks, snacks and figure pancakes. For the convenience of the spectators, a large parking lot will be organized, which will be created in the meadow in front of the Rhododendron Park, and cars will be able to park there for free.
Tickets can be purchased in the “Biļešu paradīze” network, as well as on the day of the event – in Babīte’s Rhododendron Garden. Until May 20, the price of tickets is 15 euros, later – 18 euros, on the day of the event – 20 euros. A separate ticket is required for each day of the festival.
