Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
August 16, 2026 - those who entered Abgunste through the rabbit hole found themselves on the other side of the looking glass, where they met characters who had stepped out of fairy-tale books, animated films, and fantasy worlds. Here, Sprīdītis and Hedgehog in the Fog could be found alongside Snow White and Pippi Longstocking. Here, a fairy tale rode by on a little gray pony and Little Red Riding Hood sold her pastries, while elves wandered about keeping order and the Little Prince tended to the evening’s magic. The stage program featured Drawing Theatre, songs from plays and films performed by Juris Hiršs, songs set to the words of Imants Ziedonis, the cheerful Knīpas un knauķi, the enchanting Goran Gora, and, at the very end, a retreat into love performed by the band “Mazais Princis.”
The Magic of the World
France at Abgunste
As part of the manor festivities, we brought France to life here at Abgunste! In the manor courtyard, a carousel spun just like in Paris. Every so often, a mime or illusionist appeared among the guests, along with a circus performer displaying virtuoso finger skills and living-statue acts. On stage, Ilze Lejiņa and Freds Ormēns, Ineta Rudzīte, and Aija Vītoliņa sang in French. The courtyard was filled with the aromas of croissants, crêpes, and French onion soup!
Latin America, right here
Peacock feathers and pineapple cocktails, the swaying hips of the Brazilian show dancers in the barn lights, samba and bachata lessons, and tango demonstrations by El Abrazo. On stage, Baltino Latino band and Nalata Project took turns performing. The aroma of steaks drifted through the air, while workshops offered the chance to make tropical flower garlands, feather earrings, masks, and dreamcatchers. A sun-drenched tropical party!
The Caucasus at Abgunste
This was a unique day of feasting around one long table. Guests were invited to sit down, sip wine, and get to know the strangers beside them over dinner well enough to call them friends by the end of the evening. Friends and partners from Georgia and Armenia helped Abgunste bring this vision to life. The table nearly buckled under the abundance of food, and the aromas of shashlik, khachapuri, and khinkali filled the air.
The Wild West at Abgunste
Horse sweat, leather flasks, gunpowder, and the smell of steaks and roasted ribs: a “wild, wild west” feeling in the music and activities. Everyone had a chance to try archery, hit targets with Dabalaba, warm up with some rock ’n’ roll steps, make Native American jewelry, admire American cars, and join in the line dancing. The stage resounded with country music and the rhythms of the Gatsby era.
A Latvian Celebration at Abgunste
A day filled with joyful pride, when the Suitu piecinieks arrived at Abgunste to sing playful songs about those present. Knīpas un knauķi continued the performances on the main stage, while Ilga Reizniece led us in dancing until our legs could take no more. And in the evening, a true open-air dance party with LABVĒLĪGAIS TIPS, when dancing was simply a must.
Abgunste Dances
A day when everyone dances at Abgunste!
A Retreat for Inner Peace
The manor became a haven of peace, where retreat participants consciously stepped away from the outside world. They focused on sound meditation and exercises to unlock the power of the voice with Ilona Pantele; qigong practice before a delicious breakfast; sacred geometry led by Kaspars Rikards; and nutrition and functional exercise with Ineta Ķirse. Special evening concerts filled the air with sound – music by composer Rihards Zaļupe, crystal singing bowl sound therapy by Līga Mickeviča, and a performance by musician Rihards Lībietis’s duo. The manor provided vegetarian meals and peaceful overnight accommodation for a restorative stay.