Apple Festival
In southern Latvia, around 70 kilometres from Riga, lies the town of Dobele – a town that is well known for its delicious apples. In fact, Dobele is often called “The Apple Capital”.
At the Latvian State Fruit-Growing Institute, located in Dobele, a vast and beautiful breeding garden spanning over 45 hectares can be found. There are more than 5000 species and hybrids of fruit-bearing plants that are cultivated here, and it is home to many apple trees.
Dobele was obliged to hold The Apple Festival, held in Dobele if only for the number of apple trees grown there, is an annual celebration, held at the beginning of October, and is organised by the Latvian State Fruit-Growing Institute and the Dobele Municipality.
There are many programmed gastronomic activities during the event, such as apple exhibitions and tastings, a farmers’ fair, cooking demonstrations, and gardening advice, as well as concerts and games.
The festival provides the perfect occasion to discover Dobele – the town that enjoys the most days of sunshine in all of Latvia. Dobele is also known as the Metropolis of Lilacs, because it has one of the largest lilac gardens in all Europe.