Welcome to Tukums

Tukums is a small town on the border of two regionsof Latvia-Kurzeme and Zemgale. 100 years ago it was known to all travellers as the town of gardens and craftsmen, famous for its ceramists and honey-golden pottery. As you approached the town, It looked like a huge cherry-tree garden, sinking in mountains of blossom in the spring time and in red and sweet cherries in the summer.

During the second half of the 20^th century, the town was famous for its artists and roses. Here, during the summers, students wondered along the narrow, crooked streets of the old town, painting for their summer practice, but the breathtaking roses were blooming in the streets and squares. The horticultural farms of Tukums were known for their flowers not only in Latvia and the Soviet Union, but also in Europe and Asia. For more than 100 years now all travellers upon hearing the name of Tukums know the rhyme - Leave your heart down in Tukums town! Also this year Tukums is ready to show off with its goodies. Already at the beginning of May, to rejuvenate the image of Tukums as the city of gardens, the grandest of Latvian poets Imants Ziedonis, who is originally from the region of Tukums, and the popular Latvian rock band "Brainstorm" are planning to plant cherry-trees in Tukums together with the local residents.

From 18-20 June, the annual town festival will take place, during which activities of expecting the Summer Solstice celebration will be held; the ancient crafts will be brought to daylight and refreshed also in the image of the 21^st century. But from 1-4 July the only Rose Festival in Latvia will take place here. The slogan of the festival is "Roses only!". A competition for florists "A dream about a rose" will be held during the festival, along with making large-sized rose paintings with the aim to get the Guinness world record.