The flavours, traditions and stories of all Latvian regions were revealed with 568 'home cafés' hosting 84,041 guests, an increase of 3.6% compared to last year.
“It is important for regional entrepreneurs that the guest discovers several local offers during their trip. For travellers, a home cafe most often becomes a starting point for a trip to local producers, attractions, accommodations and other tourism service providers. In this way, the trip of one guest creates demand for various local services and strengthens the region's business. Home Cafe Days give hosts the opportunity to showcase their offer and reach new customers,” said LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere.
An initial survey of hosts shows that two participants who had not planned to start a business before participating in the Home Cafe Days are now considering doing so on a more permanent basis. In addition to the meal, the responses to the survey of visitors also mentioned the surrounding nature, live music, excursions and the opportunity to get to know farms.
This year's offer included ostrich meat dishes at "Mazzariņi" in Glūda parish, Jelgava region, and lamb meals and a tour of the farm at "Jēru klubā" in Skaņkalne parish, Valmiera region. At "Herbsta Dārza Svētku" in Ziedoņi parish, Priekule parish, South Kurzeme region, the hosts talked about local apples and cider making.
In the Jersika parish of Līvāni municipality, the home cafe “Daugavas svētki uz plosta” offered fish dishes and a meal in the middle of the River Daugava; the demand exceeded the number of places available on the raft.
“Participation in Home Cafe Days allows hosts to test their plans and assess the interest of guests. For some, this experience can become the start of a regular tourism or catering service. Latvia is a rich land, as each region reveals its own table traditions, tastes and stories. During Home Cafe Days, you can get to know them at the hosts' table, and the trip can also take you to other local entrepreneurs,” said Asnate Ziemele, president of the Latvian Rural Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs”.
This year, Cafe Days were held across Latvia for the sixth year in a row. The event will continue in 2027.