Next year, from May 14 to 17, rowers from all over Europe will gather in Strenči – Strenči and Valmiera district will host members of the International Rowing Association, who will attend the International Rowing Days and the General Assembly. It is expected that around 100 rafters from 15 countries, representing around 20 associations in total, will experience the traditional expedition down the Gauja river and participate in other activities of the Gauja rafters’ festival.
The members of the rafters’ association will discuss current affairs, strategy and goals for further activities. Also, as the International Boatmen’s Days and the General Assembly are held in a different country every year, members get to know the host country’s culture, visit companies, visit favorite tourist destinations, and strengthen cooperation. The last time the General Assembly of the International Rafting Association was held in Strenči was in 2014.
International Canoeing Association (International Association of Timber Rafting) brings together associations from different countries that are engaged in maintaining, passing on and preserving the skills of boatmen and related cultural and historical activities. The “Gauja rafters” association has been in the association since 2001.
On December 1, 2022, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Preservation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage decided to include in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity the element of the heritage of several countries, “Wood rafting“, which also includes the value of the Latvian National Intangible Cultural Heritage – the craft skills of Gauja rafters. This is important not only in Latvia, but also internationally, as the list was created to ensure greater visibility of the intangible cultural heritage and to expand understanding of its importance, as well as to promote dialogue about cultural diversity. In 2018, the craft skills of Gauja rafters were included in the Latvian National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Everyone is invited to the 29th Gauja rafters’ festival in Strenči, which will traditionally be held on the third Saturday of May. There will be tying of the raft, an expedition down the Gauja River and the solemn welcome of the raft, as well as festive concerts and various activities for young and old.
