Līva Village Festival Seeks Master Craftsmen: All Welcome Whose Hands Don't Grow from Their Shoulders

The Liepāja Folk Art and Culture Center has announced that once again the time has come when craftsmen can show off their skills not only to friends and relatives, but also to strangers for money. The Līva village festival market is accepting applications until March 16th, and it must be said - the requirements are as strict as Karosta discipline.

According to the regulations, participants may only be those who "offer original and quality products made in folk craft and art traditions." In other words - if your ceramic bowl looks like a tram wheel, you'd better stay home. "I know my wool hat isn't perfect, but it warms like Kurzeme central heating," says local craftswoman Maija, who still plans to apply.

Particularly interesting is that participation is mandatory for both days - May 23rd and 24th. Not like in Riga, where you can "disappear" after the first day if the market isn't going well. Here on Fishermen's Alley you'll have to endure until the end, even if the only buyers are family members who came out of sympathy.

An expert committee will evaluate all applications, which means - not everyone will make it through. "In Liepāja we know what quality is. Our port isn't one of the largest in the Baltics for nothing," comments culture center representative Iveta Štelmahere. The number of participants is limited, so competition will be as fierce as fighting for the best spot at the Saturday morning market.