This initiative offers valuable insights from Jelgava’s residents, helping everyone explore the city more easily and make the most of it has to offer.
The series will be released four times a year, once per season, highlighting the key events and seasonal activities. The first guest of the 2025 winter edition is Mintauts Buškevics, head of Jelgava City Municipality Institution "Kultūra" (Culture). He shares his perspective on Jelgava, its events, and must-visit attractions.
One a crisp January afternoon, we took a walk through the picturesque Pasta sala (Post Island) with Mintauts Buškevics, to discover what locals appreciate most about Jelgava in the “Recommended by locals” series?
Everyone has a place that holds childhood memories. For Mintauts Buškevics, that place is Ausekļa Street 24 – his favorite spot in Jelgava. Unfortunately, the building that once held those memories no longer exists.
But life in Jelgava is more than just memories – it’s a city full of endless adventures and discoveries! If you're ready to experience the wonders of ice, Mintauts recommends visiting the 26th International Ice Sculpture Festival, taking place from February 7 to 9, 2025. For more information, visit www.visit.jelgava.lv or www.jelgava.lv.
Make sure to bring home positive emotions and unforgettable memories from your trip to Jelgava! Capture the moments on your smartphone or camera, and as with any journey, souvenirs are a must! For that, Mintauts suggests visiting the Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower on Akadēmijas Street 1, where you will also find houses the Jelgava Regional Tourism Center.
If you want to experience Jelgava's historical charm, Mintauts recommends visiting:
- Jelgava Palace;
- Jelgava History and Art Museum of Ģederts Eliass;
- Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower;
- Vecpilsētas Street Quarter.
Mintauts cannot imagine his daily life in Jelgava without culture and cultural events, which bring joy to both locals and visitors. Stay updated on the latest cultural events in Jelgava at www.kultura.jelgava.lv.
Mintauts' associations with Jelgava:
- A student city – vibrant and full of new beginnings;
- Home to the International Ice and Sand Sculpture Festivals, filling the city with a synergy of art and nature.
Mintauts’ Top Sightseeing Recommendations in Jelgava:
- Wooden boardwalks at the flood-land meadows of the River Svēte – a peaceful nature oasis;
- Jelgava city center – don’t forget to visit the Jelgava History and Art Museum of Ģederts Eliass and the Jelgava Holy Trinity Church Tower;
- The pedestrian bridge "Mītava" – leading to the charming Pasta Island;
- Palace Island – home to Jelgava Palace, the Lielupe floodplain meadows, and a wooden observation tower;
- “Anru Motors” historic vehicle collection – a must-visit for classic car enthusiasts.