One of the most anticipated winter events has begun on Pasta Island in Jelgava – the 27th International Ice Sculpture Festival competition. Starting on February 2, 20 sculptors from 12 countries – Argentina, Indonesia, Poland, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Spain, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia – will transform blocks of ice into works of art.

Within a few days – until February 6 – 30 competition sculptures will be created on Pasta Island: 10 team works and 20 individual art objects. This year's festival theme, "The Power of Illusion," allows artists to play with the viewer's perception, inviting them to question the boundary between what is real and what is only apparent.

The ice will bring to life stories about human relationships with technology, illusions created by nature and light, as well as the inner world, beauty, and the search for happiness. The sculptures will not only impress visually, but also encourage reflection on how differently each of us sees and feels what is happening around us.

The first days of the competition are devoted to ambitious team projects. To protect the sculptures from the weather, artists work in specially equipped tents, which allow the ice to retain its clarity, shape, and strength until the festival opens. The teams' sculptures are scheduled to be completed by Wednesday evening, while from Thursday onwards, the sculptors will focus on creating individual works.

In addition to the competition sculptures, visitors will also be able to enjoy other ice objects – interactive photo sculptures on Pasta Island and Jāņa Čakstes Boulevard, as well as ice attractions and games at the ice rink. These objects have already been prepared and are being stored in cold storage until they are put on display.

This weekend, on February 7 and 8, Jelgava invites you to the 27th International Ice Sculpture Festival with a wide-ranging program for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy activities for children, science shows, sculpture-making contests, illusionist performances, silent discos, a free "hospitality zone," and concerts.

On Saturday, "Vintāža" and "Instrumenti" will take to the stage, while on Sunday, "Tandēms trijatā", Normunds Rutulis together with the Slaveno Rīgas orchestra will perform, and the festival will conclude with the energetic ethno-music group "Tautumeitas".

The International Ice Sculpture Festival is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the Baltic States, bringing together internationally recognized ice sculptors in Jelgava every year and offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience art that combines mastery, creativity, and the play of light.

You can combine your visit to the festival with exploring Jelgava – more information about tourism opportunities is available on the website visit.jelgava.lv.

Festival tickets are available at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices and online bilesuparadize.lv.

The International Ice Sculpture Festival is organized by the city of Jelgava and the institution "Kultūra" in collaboration with the companies "Ramirent" and "Husqvarna". More information: jelgava.lv | kultura.jelgava.lv