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This week, 17 professional sculptors from 11 countries – Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Poland, Indonesia, Finland, India, the Czech Republic, Canada, and Bulgaria – are creating large-scale sand sculptures as part of the festival Sand Signs 2025. The artists will work on their sculptures until May 15, with a jury evaluation and awards ceremony taking place on May 16. On May 17, the completed artworks will be unveiled to festival visitors.

This year’s sand sculpture park will bring to life legendary and mythical characters from cultures around the world, inviting guests to explore imagination and mystery.

The ancient Scandinavian goddess Freyja, the Slavic god of the sun, abundance and harvest Radegast, the dangerous Sirens of Greek mythology, the Wendigo, a humanoid spirit from Canadian First Nations folklore, the hero of many world-famous myths Vovkulak (werewolf). These striking figures will not only showcase diverse legends but also impress with their technical artistry.

The park’s largest sculpture will once again be a demo sculpture – this time, Medusa, created by Latvian sculptors Agnese Rudzīte-Kirillova and Sanita Rāviņa. Made from 250 tons of sand, the Medusa, entwined with snakes, stands 5 meters tall and 11 meters wide. With this work, Latvian sculptors revived the tragic ancient Greek myth of Medusa – she became a love victim of Poseidon in the temple of Athena and was falsely punished, turning her into a monster with snake hair. This myth symbolizes female strength through tragedy – encouraging reflection on how cultural narratives shape meaning through interpretation.

Sand Sculpture Festival Program – May 17

Alongside the stunning sculptures, May 17 will feature an all-day celebration full of music, art, and family fun:

• 12 PM at noon – “Safety Festival” concert performance with Arturs Gruzdiņš and vocal studio “Knīpas un Knauķi”. Arturs Gruzdiņš, winner of Latvia’s first X Factor, and the vocal studio “Knīpas un Knauķi” will present a special musical show “Safety Festival”, teaching children important safety skills through interactive performances.
  Location – Mītava Open-Air Concert Hall
• 1 PM – “Zumba Fitness” with Rolands Bartaševičs and the “Zumba Dance Family”. Guests of all ages and fitness levels are also welcome to join in the “Zumba Fitness” session with Rolands Bartaševičs and the “Zumba Dance Family”.A lively rhythm, energetic movements and a sense of togetherness will guarantee positive emotions and a pleasant mood for the whole day.
  Location – Pasta (Post) Island.
• 2 PM – “Brīnumskapis” – family musical performance. On the main stage, beloved children’s musical group “Brīnumskapis” will entertain with upbeat songs and dance featuring characters like Kaķītis Laķītis (Ingus Ulmanis), Andris (Andris Sējāns), Malvīne (Karīna Rasa), and others.
  Location – Mītava Open-Air Concert Hall.
• 4 PM – “Zumba Fitness” (repeat session)
  Location – Pasta (Post) Island.
• In the first half of the day, children can explore the Light & Sensory House, with sand and light tables that encourage imagination and creativity. Around it, various activity stations will help kids develop perception skills – key to becoming a sculptor.

Evening Concerts – Open-Air Stage “Mītava”

As night falls, a vibrant concert program will light up the “Mītava” stage:

• 6.30 PM – Concert by “Riga Reggae” will bring warm reggae rhythms,
• 8 PM – Concert by “The Roop”(Lithuania) , Lithuania’s Eurovision sensation, will impress with energetic hits and a bold stage presence,
• 9.30 PM – “Bermudu Divstūris” – the crowd favorite will close the night with humorous, energetic performances and full-on party vibes.

Festival Info:

Date: May 17
Time: 11 AM – 11 PM
Tickets: Available via “Biļešu Paradīze” (online & box offices)
A day ticket allows unlimited entry and re-entry throughout the event.

Ticket prices (May 6–17):

• Adults: €15
• Students, pupils, seniors, persons with disabilities: €7
• Family ticket: €30 (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children, or with a “3+ Family Card”)
• Children under 7: Free

For persons with disabilities:

• Free entry for persons with Group I disability (with ID) or children with disabilities (under 18, with ID)
• Group I disabled person + accompanying person: 1 ticket (€7)
• Group II and III disabled persons and accompanying individuals (with ID): 1 ticket per pair (€7)

Traffic organization during the Sand Sculpture Festival; restricted access to Post Island

To prepare for the Sand Signs 2025 festival, starting May 15, a section of Pasta Island beyond the children’s playground is temporarily closed to visitors. This includes access to the Pasta Island beach, outdoor gym, and volleyball courts, as these areas are part of the event’s setup zone. The island will reopen to the public on Sunday, May 18.

Before heading to the festival, we encourage visitors to check the traffic and parking map.

Visitors arriving by car can park in the following designated lots:

• Pilssalas Street 1;
• Pilssalas Street 5, next to the new Jelgava Water Tourism and Sports Base;
• Krišjāņa Barona Street 6, by Jelgava Culture Centre;
• Peldu Street, near the Lielupe river promenade;
• Kronvalda Street 24, at Zemgale Olympic Centre;
• Sporta Street 2.

Please note: due to wet weather conditions, the usual parking field across from Jelgava Palace will not be available. Bus parking will be provided along Jānis Čakste Boulevard and on Pilssalas Street behind Jelgava Palace.

Please note: Photos and videos may be taken during the event. The obtained materials will be used to reflect and promote the event on the organizer’s website and social networks, as well as to create publicity materials, ensuring public information about the organized events in the public interest and for reflecting the budget use and preserving the cultural and historical heritage. More information on the processing of personal data in the Jelgava municipality is available HERE.

Sand Signs 2025 is organized by the city of Jelgava and the municipal institution “Kultūra”, in cooperation with the great friend AS “Ramirent Baltic”.