PROGRAM
MAIN STAGE - PERFORMANCES
⏰ 12:00 – Festival Opening & Announcement of the Special Theme
⏰ 12:00 - 12:30 – Gathering of Parade Participants at the Main Stage
⏰ 12:30 – The Grand Festival Parade Begins – open to all visitors in carnival costumes!
⏰ 12:30 - 13:00 – Festival Parade – a spectacular journey through time and cultures!
🎵 13:00 - 16:00 – Stage Program – enjoy live music, dance, and theatrical performances!
👗 16:00 - 17:00 – Costume Contest "Modern Renaissance" – showcase your creativity!
🏆 18:00 - 18:30 – Costume Contest Awards Ceremony
🎶 18:30 - 20:00 – Stage Program – more performances, surprises, and celebration!
👑 20:00 – Count of May Coronation & Selection of the Countess of May – who will be crowned this year’s festival legend?
🎶 20:15 - 21:30 – Concert Program – magical night performances and festive vibes!
🔥 21:30 – Fire Show – a breathtaking finale that will mesmerize the audience!
🕺💃 22:30 - 23:00 – 80s & 90s Party for Everyone! – nostalgic hits and electrifying energy!
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MAIN STAGE – A CELEBRATION OF CULTURES & CREATIVITY! 🎶✨
The Count of May Festival brings together a dazzling variety of cultures and artistic expressions. Our program blends the beauty of medieval traditions with the energy of modern creativity, offering performances that span across eras and continents!🌍 Throughout the day, enjoy a rich and diverse lineup, including:
🎶 Latvian folk dances & Italian opera
💃 Irish riverdance, German, Georgian, and Romani dances
🎤 Songs in Latvian, English, Chinese, Russian, Hungarian, and Ukrainian
🎭 Circus and theatrical performances
...and so much more! From ancient melodies to contemporary rhythms, experience a spectacular showcase of tradition, talent, and imagination!
🎤💃 Are you a singer, dancer, or a representative of a national cultural diaspora?
Join us and share your art with the world! 🎶✨
Apply for the participation in stage program
OPEN MIC STAGE
For the first time, Count of May is opening a brand–new stage: an Open Mic space where anyone can step into the spotlight and bring the festival to life.
This is your chance to perform stand‑up, play your music, try out improv, host a mini‑game or quiz, run an interactive challenge, or test a new show idea in front of a warm, curious audience.
INTERESTEN TO JOIN? REGISTER HERE
PARADE OF THE FESTIVAL
GRAND FESTIVAL PARADE – JOIN THE CELEBRATION! 🏰✨
📅 Date: 23.05.2026
🕛 Time: 12:30
📍 Starting Point: Main Stage, Ziedoņdārzs
Join the Count of May and past tournament champions as we embark on a majestic festival parade! Let’s fill the streets with color, music, and medieval splendor!🎭 Who can participate?
✨ Anyone dressed in a carnival or historical costume! Whether you’re a knight, a noble, a mythical creature, or a whimsical character – step into the magic and march with us!
🔹 No registration required – just come in costume and be part of the legend!
🏰 Be seen, be celebrated, and let the parade begin
BEST COSTUME CONTEST "MODERN RENAISSANCE"
16:00 - 18:00 | BEST COSTUME CONTEST "MODERN RENAISSANCE"
📍 Main Stage
For 16 consecutive years, the festival stage has hosted a spectacular costume contest, celebrating the most creative, elegant, and breathtaking costumes!
🎭 Who can participate?
✨ Anyone attending the festival! Whether you’re dressed in a carnival costume, fantasy attire, or a historical image, choose your category and step into the spotlight!
🏆 What awaits you?
🎁 Memorable prizes
⭐ Recognition from the jury and the audience
🎉 The chance to fully immerse yourself in the carnival spirit!
Unleash your creativity, embrace the magic, and let your costume shine on stage! ✨🏰
ON THE MAIN STAGE:
16:00 - 16:50 – COSTUME CONTEST
18:00 - 18:30 - AWARDING CEREMONY
BEST DOG COSTUME CONTEST "COUNT OF BARK"
Dances with dogs - at the stage of OPEN MIC - from 14:30 to 15:00
Costume contest for dogs - at the stage of OPEN MIC - from 15:00 to 16:00
For dog owners - registration is free
READ MORE
Costume contest for dogs - at the stage of OPEN MIC - from 15:00 to 16:00
For dog owners - registration is free
READ MORE
TOURNAMENT ARENA
⚔️ TOURNAMENT ARENA – WHERE LEGENDS ARE FORGED! 🏆
🕐 13:00 - 20:00 – Step into the heart of medieval combat and witness epic battles where skill, honor, and courage decide the victor!
⚔️ Tournament "Sword of Roland 2026" – A thrilling competition for children and juniors (ages 7-17), where young warriors showcase their strength and mastery!
REGISTRATION - 11:00 - 15:00
FINAL FIGHTS - 16:30 - 17:00
AWARDS - 17:30
👑 May Count Tournament – A grand battle for honor and a title of Count of May among skilled fighters (18+), where the strongest will claim victory!
REGISTRATION - 13:00 - 16:00
FINAL FIGHTS - 18:00 - 19:00
AWARDS - 19:30
🔥 Demonstrative Knightly Fights – Witness the fierce spectacle of professional armored knights engaging in spectacular duels, reviving the legendary spirit of medieval tournaments!
⚔️ Will you rise to the challenge? Choose your battle and prove your worth! 🏰✨
Apply for the Tournaments
LOCATIONS, ACTIVITIES
Did you know that all festival locations are created by volunteers from different countries?
The Count of May Festival is a place where the world of fairy tales, creativity, and international friendship come together. All activities are designed and led by volunteers – it’s not only a chance to take part in exciting workshops and games, but also to meet amazing people from all over the world who bring this celebration to life with heart and enthusiasm.
Festival Locations and Represented Countries:
⚜️ Circus and Circus Activity Corner– volunteers from Poland and Latvia⚜️ Medieval Tournaments – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ Monster Battles – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ Quest Starting Point and Photo Zone – volunteers from Latvia and Croatia
⚜️ Wishing Tree – volunteers from Latvia and Azerbaijan
⚜️ Medieval Dances– volunteers from Estonia and Ukraine
⚜️ Costume Contest – Registration and Jury – volunteers from Latvia and Cyprus
⚜️ Arm Wrestling – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ Painting and Art Zone – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ Information Center– volunteers from Latvia and Cyprus
⚜️ Archery – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ Main Stage – volunteers from Latvia and Estonia
⚜️ "The 5 Senses" – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ Fortune Telling and Happiness Stories – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ Free Microphone – volunteers from Latvia
⚜️ traditional games – volunteers from latvia and Finland
⚜️ Mini Zoo "Šarlote" – volunteers from Latvia
MEDIEVAL FAIR
Festival Territory
10:00 - 22:00
Welcome to the May Fair – a living medieval market where history comes to life!
🔹 Craftsmen and artisans, tailors and beekeepers, winemakers and artists, antique manuscript collectors and medieval arms dealers, blacksmiths and potters, woodworkers and culinary masters – all gathered in one place to recreate the vibrant spirit of the Middle Ages!
🛡️ At the Count of May Festival, medieval charm is everywhere! Not only in the exquisite handcrafted goods but also in the merchants themselves. Traders, artisans, performers, and even visitors – everyone steps into a historical role!
✨ Because together, we turn this festival into a living fairy tale!
📢 Merchants and artisans – join the May Count Fair! Applications are now open!
🔹 Craftsmen and artisans, tailors and beekeepers, winemakers and artists, antique manuscript collectors and medieval arms dealers, blacksmiths and potters, woodworkers and culinary masters – all gathered in one place to recreate the vibrant spirit of the Middle Ages!
🛡️ At the Count of May Festival, medieval charm is everywhere! Not only in the exquisite handcrafted goods but also in the merchants themselves. Traders, artisans, performers, and even visitors – everyone steps into a historical role!
✨ Because together, we turn this festival into a living fairy tale!
📢 Merchants and artisans – join the May Count Fair! Applications are now open!
QUEST GAME
CHOOSE YOUR KINGDOM. EARN GLORY. BRING VICTORY!
Step into a world of legends and adventure with the quest game at the Count of May Festival! 🏆✨
📍 Explore Ziedoņdārzs through an immersive mobile quest! Using the Actionbound app, you will take on royal challenges, face mythical trials, and uncover festival secrets. But before you begin—you must pledge loyalty to a kingdom!
HOW TO PLAY?
✅ Download the free Actionbound app✅ Scan the QR code and choose your kingdom
✅ Begin your adventure and prove your worth!
📢 The QR code will be activated on May23, 2026, at 11:00!
🔥 Will your kingdom triumph? Will YOU be the hero who brings victory? Step into the legend and let the battle for honor begin! 🏰🐉
MAIN FESTIVAL ELEMENTS:
Knights’ tournaments and demonstrative fights – Witness epic battles of honor!
Tournament for children and juniors "Sword of Roland" – Young warriors prove their skills!
Concert program on the main stage – Folk, opera, dance, fireshowvand multicultural performances!
Costume contest "Modern Renaissance" – A dazzling show of historical and fantasy costumes!
May Count Awarding & May Countess Choice – Who will rise as this year’s festival legend?
Medieval fair of artisans and craftsmen – Unique handmade treasures and traditional crafts!
Creative and craft workshops – Try medieval and fantasy-inspired art techniques!
Medieval attractions for adults and children – Experience the fun of history!
City Quest – Embark on an exciting adventure through time and mystery!
Carnival costume rental – Dress up and become part of the magic!
Photo zones – Capture the beauty of the festival!
Medieval cafés – Savor authentic flavors from history!
Esoteric games and counseling – Discover the mystical side of the past!
Archery and other relay races – Test your precision and skill!
