Entertainment

Liepāja’s Liepāja Puppet Theatre is set to host a vibrant and colorful musical performance, “Kad mežā valdīja zaķis” (When the Rabbit Ruled the Forest), offering a delightful experience for young audiences aged four and up. The production, scheduled to take place at Rožu laukums 5/6 in Liepāja in 2026, promises a whimsical journey into a forest where the unexpected is the norm.

This isn’t your typical woodland tale. “Kad mežā valdīja zaķis” transports viewers to a time – perhaps not so long ago – where a wolf fronts a rock band, a crow runs a fashion atelier, and only bookworms possess the ability to read. At the heart of this quirky world, a rabbit surprisingly holds the reins of power. The performance, lasting approximately 40 minutes, is designed to spark imagination and encourage a sense of bravery in being oneself. Tickets are currently available for purchase through Biļetesuparadize.lv here.

A Story of Courage and Individuality

The play centers around a narrative that celebrates individuality and courage. The storyline, described as “a colorful musical story about courage to be yourself,” aims to resonate with young children, encouraging them to embrace their unique qualities. The production’s creators have crafted a world filled with memorable characters and catchy tunes, designed to captivate and entertain. The Liepāja Puppet Theatre, known for its innovative and engaging performances, is bringing this enchanting story to life.

Details for Families

“Kad mežā valdīja zaķis” is specifically geared towards children aged four and older, making it an ideal outing for families looking for a fun and enriching experience. The performance duration of 40 minutes is tailored to maintain the attention of younger viewers. The Liepāja Puppet Theatre, located at Leļļu teātris, Teātris, Liepāja, provides a welcoming and intimate setting for this theatrical adventure. Additional information about the performance, including showtimes and ticket availability, can be found on the Biļetesuparadize.lv website here and on the event’s Facebook page here.

Liepāja continues to be a hub for cultural events, as highlighted by liepajniekiem.lv here, with ongoing activities within the “Liepāja.Vesels.Aktīvs.Laimīgs.2.0” project and the city’s designation as the Latvian Youth Capital 2025.

As Liepāja embraces its role as a vibrant cultural center, “Kad mežā valdīja zaķis” offers a charming addition to the city’s entertainment landscape. The production promises a memorable experience for families and a celebration of imagination and self-expression.

The Liepāja Puppet Theatre’s production of “Kad mežā valdīja zaķis” is poised to be a popular event for families in the region. Keep an eye on Biļetesuparadize.lv for updated showtimes and ticket information as the performance dates approach.

What are your thoughts on the importance of live theatre for young children? Share your comments below and spread the word about this exciting event!

A harrowing video circulating online shows a swift and powerful avalanche descending a ski slope near Chamonix, France. Three skiers were caught in the slide but remarkably escaped unharmed. The incident, which occurred on a marked and open piste, underscores the persistent and significant avalanche danger in the Alps this winter season.

The footage, widely shared on social media, captures the sheer speed and volume of the snow as it rushes down the mountain. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the avalanche, focusing on the conditions that led to the slide despite the piste being officially open. This event adds to a growing number of avalanche incidents across Europe, raising concerns about safety protocols and the increasing risks posed by fluctuating weather patterns.

According to reports, the three skiers were fully buried by the snow but were quickly located and dug out by ski patrol and fellow skiers. They were assessed at the scene and found to have no injuries. The area was immediately closed following the incident, and avalanche safety teams are conducting thorough assessments of the surrounding slopes. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of avalanches, even on prepared runs.

This incident comes amid a particularly dangerous winter for snow sports. As of February 22, 2026, at least seven winter sports enthusiasts have died in Austria due to avalanches this season, according to VRT NWS. The Alps have experienced heavy snowfall in recent weeks, creating unstable snowpack conditions. The NOS reported that nearly 100 people have lost their lives in avalanche incidents across the Alps in recent weeks, with the warning level for avalanches remaining high in many areas.

Avalanche Risks and Recent Incidents

The recent surge in avalanche activity isn’t limited to Austria and France. In Italy, four people died in separate avalanche incidents earlier this month, and a Dutch skier was killed in Austria in January. The NOS reported on February 3, 2026, that a lawine in Bad Hofgastein, Austria, occurred last month. A large avalanche in Méribel-Mottaret, France, caused significant damage to the Châtelet ski lift, forcing its closure for the remainder of the season, as detailed by Ski Informatie. The lift was damaged during a controlled explosion intended to mitigate avalanche risk, but the resulting slide was larger than anticipated.

Experts emphasize that the underlying snowpack is particularly unstable, increasing the likelihood of avalanches. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds has created large snow accumulations on slopes, making them prone to collapse. The incident near Chamonix serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly safe areas can be vulnerable.

Safety Precautions for Skiers and Snowboarders

Authorities are urging skiers and snowboarders to exercise extreme caution and adhere to all safety guidelines. This includes checking avalanche forecasts before heading out, skiing or snowboarding with appropriate safety equipment (including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe), and avoiding off-piste areas, especially during periods of high avalanche risk. Skiers should also be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to quickly assess changing conditions.

The recent events underscore the importance of preventative measures, such as controlled explosions to release unstable snowpack. Though, as demonstrated by the incident in Méribel-Mottaret, even these measures can sometimes fail to prevent avalanches entirely. The Chamonix incident, while resulting in no injuries, highlights the potential for even open pistes to be affected by sudden and powerful slides.

Looking ahead, the continued presence of unstable snowpack conditions means that the risk of avalanches will remain elevated throughout the winter season. Ski resorts and authorities will continue to monitor conditions closely and implement safety measures to protect skiers and snowboarders. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and prioritize safety when enjoying winter sports in the Alps.

What are your thoughts on the increasing avalanche risks? Share your experiences and safety tips in the comments below. Please also share this article with anyone planning a winter sports trip this season.