Nothing’s as enjoyable and valuable as doing something with your own hands. When we get deeply involved in an activity, when we figure out a craft, hobby or something as seemingly simple as a recipe, we gain a lot. It provides new knowledge, a profound understanding and an experience that no one can take from us. What’s more - masterclasses and working together is a great way to get to know a culture. It doesn’t matter whether you have lived in Latvia your whole life, visit the country often or it’s your first time here - active involvement and master-guided activities will let you discover Latvia anew. It’s also not important if you want to do things on your own or together with your family or friends - each activity has its advantages. We have summarised various masterclasses and participatory activities in Latvia. You simply need to make the choice you like!
Craftmanship and creative masterclasses
Porcelain painting
“Piebalga Porcelain Factory” near Cēsis is the only place producing porcelain in Latvia. Here you will find not only world-renowned dishes but also know-how on handling one of the most fragile materials - porcelain. The masterclass offers you the chance to choose one of the several porcelain dishes and to decorate it with special paint intended for porcelain. While the painted porcelain is being fired, visitors can discover the history of Piebalga Porcelain Factory and the scenic surroundings.
Pottery workshop
Pottery is a dying art in Latgale, therefore it requires determined effort and talented people to preserve this craftmanship so that the traditions do not disappear. One of the places still protecting this craft and sharing knowledge is “Valdis Pauliņš pottery shop”. It’s a place which embodies, first of all, the human factor: you can’t imagine the place without the master craftsman and kiln stoker Valdis Pauliņš. The potter’s stories combine traditions of the craft with modern jokes. The workshop is the go-to place to observe the entire pottery making cycle, and to try to make pots and give a helping hand in stoking the kiln.
Pottery, weaving and breadmaking
For those who want to try their hand at many different activities, “Dzīvesziņas un arodu sēta” (Farm of Folk Wisdom and Crafts) will be the right place. It is located in the Old Town of Jelgava and was intended as a place to popularise ancient Latvian craft skills and to promote public involvement in various events in accordance with Latvian traditions. This is a place rich in tradition offering masterclasses which will help you to acquire old skills characteristic of Latvia: pottery, weaving and even making national costumes. Everyone can also test their skills and knowledge in a bread-making masterclass. All those who crave knowledge and impressions also have the opportunity to take a tour of the Farm to get to know the rich history and stories of the buildings.
Namejs ring masterclass
Namejs ring is one example of traditional Latvian bijouterie. The ring typically has a braid-style three-part weave, where each part symbolises one of the three regions of Latvia - Vidzeme, Latgale and Kurzeme, and their unity. This is the ring that weaves together tradition and national identity, while still blending contemporary design. That’s why it is one of the most beloved pieces of bijouterie for both locals and visitors. “Baltu rotas” is a company producing precise replicas of ancient bijouterie, introducing ancient signs and symbols in modern pieces of art. In addition, in the “Baltu rotas” workshop, you can learn some of the skills of the ancient craft of goldsmiths and create your own Namejs ring.
Soap making
The masterclass is a way to tell a story. About the process, the place, time and result. That’s why natural cosmetics producer SILMACHY invites everyone to their premises in Baldone. Soap making is a world of vast and varied techniques. The masterclass will allow everyone to get a glimpse of this world and try making soap from a soap base.
Sweets masterclasses
“Skrīveru saldumi” masterclasses
The candy “Gotiņa” embodies one of the most iconic tastes of Latvian sweets. You can turn learning about this candy into a nostalgic trip to your childhood or create a beginning to new, sweet memories. The company “Skriveru saldumi” works hard to ensure that the candy remains in the memories of those with a sweet tooth, that the preparation process upholds the best traditions, and new flavours of sweets can be developed. Also, here in Skrīveri, the company has created the Emotions Factory - a place where you can participate in sweet tastings and masterclasses. Visitors to the workshop can try their hand at wrapping their own “Gotiņa” exactly as the wrappers do in their daily work, as well as create marzipan figurines, learn about the latest in sweet production, and also taste sweet treats.
Painting of de luxe chocolate and truffles
“Caps!” are luxury chocolates and truffles that are handmade and decorated with local berries and fruits typical of the northern region of Europe. At the home of “Caps!” in Riga, Jaunā Teika, you can not only buy delicious products, but also participate in chocolate bar decorating and round truffle painting (decorating) masterclasses. Activities are adapted to different groups and moods, starting from a children’s masterclass, where the smallest ones can paint with melted chocolate, to delicate truffle-making and a cocoa ceremony.
Making of pastilles
Not far from Riga, near Murjāņi, there is “Rāmkalni” - a place where you eat and drink and have fun on the banks of the River Gauja. However, there is more to discover at “Rāmkalni” - it’s a place where various sweets are made. Everyone is invited to learn how candied fruit, syrups and pastilles are made. Here, at the “Rāmkalni” facility, you can enjoy everything - history, processes and cooperation.
Gourmand masterclasses
Cooking with the best Latvian chefs
For all those who just want to get cooking, as well as those who are true gourmands and tend to spoil their families and friends with restaurant-worthy meals, “Meistarklase” is a place to meet and learn about the world of food. Team “Meistarklase” is permanent and changing at the same time: it is made up of several of Latvia’s most recognised chefs, drink experts and kitchen connoisseurs. Each one of them have mastered their skills and have knowledge they are ready to share. The content of masterclasses varies, so you should check the upcoming classes on the webpage.
Making of sweet and salty snacks
“Lapsas māja” is a popular city restaurant in the heart of Riga. It offers a possibility to enjoy a delicious meal, but it’s most popular among Riga residents for its sweet cakes and desserts. Both adults and children can learn to cook various dishes in “Lapsas māja”: from breakfast to sweet snacks. But you will have to choose among cakes, eclairs, marshmallows, muffins, cookies or something salty, so it will be challenging.
Masterclass for cooking in nature
Exploring the world of flavours in a controlled space allows you to learn a lot, but cooking in nature is a feast for all the senses and a different experience. Being out there, getting to know and collecting local raw materials, as well as lighting a fire are truly Latvian activities. If you want to get to know about such things in depth, you should get help from Renārs Purmalis, a concept chef who knows that everything tastes better in nature. In order to get to know together how to work with products and fire, you need to contact Renārs privately - his masterclasses take place in nature. It is all around us and ever changing, therefore details must be discussed privately.
Master classes of various drinks
“Mākonis” is a place in the centre of Riga, where various cocktails are created in a seemingly effortless way. Although cocktail making may seem easy when you’re on the other side of the bar, it still requires in-depth knowledge of the history, differences, nuances and possibilities of various drinks. Team “Mākonis” invites anyone (adult) who is interested in learning the nuances of whiskey, rum, cognac or making cocktails.
Beer making masterclass
“Kussh” brewery, created and cherished by friends, is located in Sigulda. Although the name suggests keeping a secret (we say “Kuš!” in Latvian, when we want the other party not to reveal something), the guys at the brewery are happy to share their knowledge in special masterclasses. However, these are not ordinary masterclasses - this is a special process. During the seven-hour class, participants will get to know the world of beer and create their own special beer. However, it will not be possible to drink it immediately. The beer has to be boiled and this process will take time, but in the end you will get almost 30 litres of beer.
Tea ritual and workshop
The traditions of collecting, drying and preparing tea are strong through all generations in Latvia. Tastes and methods may change and vary, but the love for herbal tea collected in nature remains the same. “PLŪKT” comes from Prauliena, Madona County, and the tea house is also located here. It is surrounded by magical northern meadows, forests, ancient trees, peace and birdsongs. The owners of the teahouse have tried to capture and preserve exactly these feelings in the tea bags. In the Northern tea master class, tea connoisseurs share their knowledge about tea, discover northern plants that have been collected in the natural meadows and forests of Latvia, and demonstrate how to make an excellent cup of tea.