For the fifth year in a row, the association “Apvienība par ilgtspējīgu lauksaimniecību un lauku vidi” is inviting people to take part in the “Rural Flowering Festival”. This year too, special wooden photo frames have been placed beside flowering fields in various regions of Latvia, so that everyone can capture the splendour of spring and share it on social media using the hashtag #LaukiZied.
“Five years ago this initiative began as a simple idea – to give people a chance to experience the magic of flowering fields and to take pride in Latvia’s landscapes. Now it has become a beautiful tradition that draws in city dwellers and country folk alike,” says the head of the association and young farmer Valters Zelčs. “Flowering fields of rapeseed, beans, peas, perennial plantings and even clover have become a source of inspiration that brings together thousands of photography enthusiasts every year.”
This year the flowering promises to be especially impressive. Despite the unusually cool weather this spring, rapeseed in Kurzeme and Zemgale is expected to reach full bloom as early as this weekend and will continue throughout the coming week. In Latgale and Vidzeme, meanwhile, full bloom is expected a few days later, allowing the colourful flowering season to be enjoyed for longer across the different regions.
To make photography safe and convenient, specially mown areas with large photo frames have been created in eight locations across Latvia in cooperation with local farmers, where photographs can be taken safely and without any objections from the landowners. The photo frames have been set up beside particularly beautiful fields, including one in Kurzeme by the popular field of red crimson clover, which drew thousands of visitors last year.
In addition to taking photographs, people are invited to enter a competition offering the chance to win hampers of country produce and other valuable prizes. To take part, simply post your pictures on social media with the hashtag #LaukiZied.
This is an excellent opportunity not only to enjoy the beauty of Latvia’s countryside, but also to learn more about farming – at the photo frames you can often meet the farmers themselves, who are happy to talk about their work in the fields and the challenges of their daily routine.
Keep up with information on the locations of the photo frames and flowering forecasts on the association’s website ilgtspejigi.lv/lauki-zied or on its social media channels.
