Why the celebration?
Interreg Cooperation Day is an annual celebration of what can be achieved when neighbouring countries work together. Since 2012, Interreg programmes and projects across Europe have marked the occasion with local events, from sport and culture to hands-on workshops, showing how cross-border cooperation makes a real difference in people's everyday lives. This year, we are celebrating 15 years of the campaign.
Over the years, the Interreg Estonia-Latvia programme has supported hundreds of joint projects that have brought Estonian and Latvian communities closer together. Ape holds a special place in this story. In Ape town and parish, the results of cooperation can be seen in everyday life. Programme co-funding has helped improve the Mõniste-Ape road and develop Ape's spring and autumn fairs into lively cross-border markets that attract hundreds of traders and thousands of visitors from Latvia and Estonia each year. Cross-border projects have also strengthened Ape's appeal as a nature tourism destination by developing cycling, hiking and water tourism routes and improving access to natural attractions. These initiatives have created new ways to explore the region and connected Ape more closely with neighbouring areas in Estonia and Latvia.
What's happening on the day?
From 12:00 to 19:00, the Interreg tent in front of the Ape Crafts House will be open with games, a photo box and a language quiz. You can also visit the exhibitions at the Ape Crafts House and Culture House, or pick up a map and explore Ape at your own pace. At 13:00, discussions and stories about cross-border cooperation and its impact on the local community. At 14:10, two tours set off, both requiring registration in advance (registration links and more detailed info below). The evening culminates in the Ape Town Festival's opening parade through the town centre, followed by a concert by Diāna Pīrāgs and Le Petit Paris.
See below for more detailed information about the activities for the day:
Register for the hike or the guided walk!
At 14:10, two tours set off, both requiring registration in advance:
- The 14 km Green Railway hike follows the old railway line from Ape across the Estonian border to Metsavenna Talu and back. If you prefer a shorter route, you can take the bus back from Metsavenna Talu to the Ape town border instead (9.2 km). Spots are limited, so register early!
Register for the 14 km Green Railway hike
- The approx. 5 km guided walk "Discover the beauty of Ape" with local guide Astra Binde shares the stories and sights of the town.
Register for the 5km guided tour
Come and experience for yourself how cross-border cooperation has shaped life in Ape over the years!
