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At the beginning of February, Jelgava invites you to immerse yourself in the charm of winter and enjoy one of the city’s most anticipated events – the 27th International Ice Sculpture Festival “Power of Illusion”. The festival will take place on February 7 and 8, but ticket sales have already started.

This year’s theme encourages visitors to look beyond what is visible and experience moments where truth intertwines with illusion. Ice sculptures created by artists from around the world will become a bridge between reality and imagination , turning Jelgava into a breathtaking world of illusions.

The festival promises the perfect winter holiday atmosphere with music, creative activities, and entertainment for the whole family. Pasta (Post) Island, the open-air concert venue “Mītava”, and the public ice rink will be the main venues, hosting both individual and team ice sculptures, as well as a rich cultural programme. Meanwhile, Jāņa Čakstes Boulevard, which in previous years was part of the event area with an entrance fee — will become a freely accessible festive area with a market, where you can buy various treats, handmade crafts, as well as feel the real winter atmosphere.

The festival programme will be diverse and family-friendly. The youngest visitors will enjoy ice games, play performances, and the curious – exciting science shows with various experiments. Guests will also be able to watch live ice sculpting demonstrations and witness how true works of art emerge from blocks of ice. Adding to the magic will be illusionist performances showcasing the “power of illusion”, as well as concerts by the musical groups “Vintāža” and “Tandēms trijatā”. Special headline performers—yet to be announced—will deliver the festival’s most memorable moments.

As night falls, the sculptures will come alive in vibrant displays of light, turning Pasta (Post) Island into a place where imagination knows no limits.

The festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Until 31 January, tickets can be purchased at a reduced price at “Biļešu Paradīze” ticket offices across Latvia, at the Jelgava Culture House ticket office, and online at www.bilesuparadize.lv. Each ticket is valid as a day ticket, allowing multiple entries to the festival area on the selected date.

The festival is organized by the city of Jelgava and the municipal institution “Culture”.
More information: Jelgava.lv and kultura.jelgava.lv.