Tukums, Latvia
Tukums is a small town in Latvia, but of major importance in the development of national culture. Historically, Tukums is known as a town of roses, writers, artisans and painters which is nowadays celebrated by rich and versatile cultural events. The most anticipated is Tukums Rose festival happening every two years and fusing together all the aforementioned forms of art into creative workshops, markets and overall unforgettable program for the locals and city guests.
Tukums is the birthplace of Latvian original literature. The first original text in Latvian was written in Tukums by a local clergyman and poet named Kristofors Fīrekers in the 17th century. He also established a particular spelling for seven consonants in the Latvian alphabet, adding softening marks. It is the spelling people still use today.
Tukums is a true literary city - it currently has the highest cumulative number of active writers in the country (per 1,000 inhabitants) and has been home to some of the most impressive writers in the history of Latvia. The great 19th century folklorist Krišjānis Barons was born here and his Cabinet of Folksongs is recognized in the UNESCO Memory of the World Program. Puškaitis, the father of Latvian fairy tales, lived and worked in Tukums all his life. The Jānis Baltvilks Award, named after a local author, honors achievements in children's literature every year.
Literature is deeply integrated into all levels of education, making the schools of Tukums some of the best performing in reading literacy in the world. According to the PIRLS 2021 (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) data, Latvia ranked 23rd, but if only Tukums participated in this study, Latvia would be in 4th place. Tukums Rainis State Gymnasium in particular is set to become a world-class model for teaching literature. Regarding higher education, the University of Latvia Tukums branch allows future preschool and primary school teachers to receive their education closer to home, motivating them to work in local institutions after graduation.
In Tukums, literature extends beyond books. Fairy tales, myths, and legends have been merged with nature in our urban environment, parks, and forests. Notable sites include the ‘Werewolf Trail’ in the suburban forest and the developing ‘Ziedonis Garden in Mālkalns’ in the town. The ‘Werewolf Trail’ created in the shape of a wolf's head, was inspired by a short story book containing legends of werewolf sightings in the region and lets its visitors explore some of the mystical places described in the legends in real life.
