The Latgale Planning Region invites children and young people from Latgale and Latvian diaspora communities around the world to participate in the creative competition “This Is What My Latvia Tastes Like!”, taking place from 2 to 12 November 2026. Dedicated to Latvia’s national celebrations, the competition encourages participants to explore the flavours of Latvia, discover family culinary traditions, and create special festive dishes together.
The competition is organised as part of the Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 project “SchoolFood WasteSolutions” (No. CB0600301) and remigration support activities. Its aim is to strengthen children’s and young people’s sense of belonging to Latvia, encourage interest in Latvian culinary heritage, healthy eating, and sustainable food practices.
About the Competition
November is the month of Latvia’s national celebrations – a time when we honour our traditions, family values, and the joy of being together. The festive table is a place where generations come together, childhood memories come alive, and treasured family recipes are passed down.
The competition “This Is What My Latvia Tastes Like!” invites children and young people to explore what Latvia tastes like to them, together with their parents, grandparents, friends, or other family members!
Perhaps it is a grandmother’s special recipe, a traditional Latvian dish, or a completely new festive treat created from their own imagination? Every family has its own flavours, memories, and traditions worth sharing!
Participants are invited to submit creative entries reflecting:
A special family recipe – a traditional dish or a recipe passed down through generations, associated with Latvia and festive celebrations.
An original Latvian festive dish – a unique recipe or a creative interpretation of flavours and ingredients characteristic of Latvia.
A shared cooking experience – preparing a dish together with family, friends, or members of an educational institution.
Smart and responsible cooking – using local and seasonal ingredients, planning portions thoughtfully, and reducing food waste.
Competition entries do not have to feature only traditional Latvian dishes. Participants are encouraged to interpret Latvian festive food traditions freely and creatively, showcasing their family’s unique taste of Latvia, regardless of which country they live in.
Entries may be submitted in three formats:
Video (up to 3 minutes);
Photograph;
Drawing or illustration, including an illustrated recipe.
Each entry must include the name of the chosen dish, its recipe (ingredients and preparation instructions), and a short story explaining the dish’s connection to family, friends, or Latvia.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to children and young people aged 18 and under, including those from the Latgale region, as well as children and young people from remigrant, repatriate, and Latvian diaspora families worldwide.
Entries may be created individually, together with family members, or as a group project within an educational institution.
How to Participate
Creative entries must be submitted by 12 November 2026 to anna.stalidzane@lpr.gov.lv, with the email subject line “Radošam konkursam” (Creative Competition).
The following information must be included with each submission:
Participant’s full name and age;
Parent’s or legal guardian’s full name, contact telephone number, and email address;
Country where the participant currently resides.
All entries meeting the competition requirements will be published on the Facebook page “Es atgriežos Latgalē” (I Am Returning to Latgale) by 13 November 2026, where public voting will also take place.
Evaluation and Prizes
Public voting on the Facebook page “Es atgriežos Latgalē” will remain open until 22 November 2026. Winners will be selected based on both the public vote and the decision of the judging panel.
Prizes will be awarded to:
The top three winners in the individual entries category;
The top three winners in the group entries category (for example, a joint project created by a school class or kindergarten group);
The winner of the special “Jury’s Favourite” award.
The competition results will be announced by 24 November 2026 on the Latgale Planning Region website www.lpr.gov.lv and the Facebook page “Es atgriežos Latgalē”.
The Latgale Planning Region encourages children, young people, and families in Latgale and abroad to take this opportunity to cook together, share their treasured family recipes, and create new festive memories!
No matter where in the world we may be, the flavours of Latvia can always bring us together! Let’s cook, create, and celebrate Latvia’s national holidays together!
COMPETITION RULES (in Latvian)
Additional Information
Anna Stalidzāne
Latgale Planning Region
Phone: +371 26740689
Email: anna.stalidzane@lpr.gov.lv
Translated by MI