At the end of May, Riga will once again transform into a space where history, fantasy, and the vibrant energy of people intertwine. On May 23, 2026, Ziedoņdārzs Park will host the 16th International Multicultural Festival “Count of May 2626”— an event that, over more than fifteen years, has grown from an small city celebration into a large-scale international festival bringing together thousands of people.
Today, “Count of May” is no ordinary festival. It is a living tradition that evolves with the times while preserving its core essence—creativity, fairy tales, and human interaction. Once it was a folk festival, then a knights’ tournament, and today it is a carnival where everyone can become part of history.
The festival is organized by the cultural association “Kultūras biedrība “Alternatīvā Realitāte” with the support of the European Solidarity Corps program. It is thanks to this initiative that volunteers from all over Europe come to Riga to create a space where culture becomes a language of communication.
In 2026, the festival takes on a new dimension of meaning. Its central theme becomes the dialogue between human creativity and artificial intelligence, between reality and the virtual world. This is not a conflict in the conventional sense, but an attempt to understand the boundaries—where technology begins to interfere, and where it can become a tool for growth and inspiration.
For one day, Ziedoņdārzs Park will transform into a multifaceted space of adventure. From 12:00 to 23:00, a packed program designed for more than 12,000 guests will unfold here. Creative groups from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia will perform on stage, and themed zones will be set up in various parts of the park, each offering its own unique way to engage with the festival.
The traditional tournament arena will become a place where the spirit of the Middle Ages comes to life. It will host the Roland Children’s Knight Tournament for participants aged 8 to 17, as well as the May Count’s Trials—a special competition where the winner receives the title of May Count and the right to choose the May Countess. This title is held for a full year, continuing one of the festival’s key traditions.
Guests will be able to try their hand at archery, participate in craft and painting workshops, visit the fair, explore art spaces and photo zones, stop by the Tarot fortune-telling corner, or spend time at the petting zoo. For those who want to express themselves, there will be an open mic—a space for free creativity.
The festival remains open and accessible: admission is free, making it a truly family-friendly event. Children, teenagers, and adults alike feel equally at home here — everyone finds their own way to enjoy the day.
The evening will culminate in a fiery theatrical performance, which in 2026 will have an Egyptian theme. Images of the gods and heroes of ancient Egypt will come to life in the flames, transforming the festival’s finale into a spectacle where ancient symbols merge with modern stage aesthetics.
“Count of May is more than just a festival. It is a way to bring a fairy tale to the world and make reality a space where there is room for wonder,” ― the organizers note.
Behind the outward lightness and festive atmosphere lies a massive effort: about 100 volunteers from various European countries participate in preparing the festival, making it a model of international cooperation and cultural exchange.
It is precisely this combination — of tradition, voluntary work, creative expression and openness — that makes “Count of May” unique. It is a living space that people create together.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, European Commission or National Agency (Agency for International Programs for Youth) neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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