On September 12th, in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Riga Oyster Festival, Bergs Bazaar will host the Riga Oyster Cup (Riga Oyster Cup) competition for the first time, where the best oyster spinner in the capital will be determined. The event was created with the support of the Riga City Council.
Cup contenders will have to open three different types of oysters - fine, Speciale and Wild flat oysters, 12 oysters in all. They vary in shape and shell hardness, and each type of oyster requires a different opening technique and approach. This is a complex and challenging task, so speed will only be one of six evaluation criteria.
The participants' performance will be evaluated by an international jury, which will include representatives from Latvia, Estonia and Great Britain, including two world oyster champions. Particular attention will be paid to the quality of oyster opening - the panel will check that oysters are open without cuts and shell crumbs, and that they are clean, whole and free from defects. The presentation of oysters, how participants prepare and serve them, will also be among the criteria for judging.
The Riga Oyster Cup will take place in three semi-finals starting at 12.20. The best Riga oyster spinner will be determined at 13.30 am, while the official awards ceremony will take place at 15.00, with the participation of Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs.
Unique cups with a pearl hidden in an oyster have also been specially made for the occasion. They were created by the Eisenthal Black Lab 3D Technology Workshop. A real oyster shell has been used to create the cup, scanned first, then digitally modelled and made using 3D printing technology. These special cups will go to Riga's top three oyster spinners.
The Riga Oyster Cup will take place on 18. As part of the Riga Oyster Festival, which runs from 12 September at 12.00 to 21.00 will take place in Bergs Bazaar. The festival program includes various oyster-related activities and competitions, as well as an extensive entertainment program.
Festival visitors will have access to a diverse selection of street food (street food) and barbecue dishes, while percussion group EKHO Ensemble, DJ Garjānis and DJ ELLA will take care of the musical presentation. During the festival, all terraces of restaurants and cafes located in Bergs Bazaar will also be open to visitors. In addition, standing desks will be placed in the event area.
Admission to the event is free. The event is organized with the support of the Riga Business support Contact point (RUAK) co-financing program, which is intended for trade associations to organize public events in the historical center of Riga and its protection zone.
More information on support for entrepreneurs for public events is available here.