Ape – a Place Where Culture and the Roar of Engines Live Together
From folk songs to the sound of engines – Ape is a place where the past meets the future. In Ape, every story is alive. Here, each tradition continues to thrive. Let’s explore some of these stories!
An Outstanding Figure in Folklore – Dāvis Ozoliņš
In 1876, a young teacher named Dāvis Ozoliņš began working at the Jaunroze Parish School in “Dauškani.” He was an outstanding personality of that time. Not only was Dāvis Ozoliņš a great teacher, but he also cared deeply for the preservation of Latvian folklore. He recorded folk songs, legends, and stories to pass on this oral heritage to future generations. Ozoliņš established a school museum and library and inspired both students and local people to engage in cultural activities. He actively involved the local community in amateur arts, helping to establish brass bands, choirs, and theater groups.
Dāvis Ozoliņš worked in Ape for 32 years, and his efforts were highly valued. In 1988, a monument was erected in his honor in the Jaunroze park. The people of Ape regard Dāvis Ozoliņš as the “teacher with a capital letter,” meaning an exceptional and inspiring figure in the community.
Elīna Zālīte – The Legacy of a Master of Words and Thoughts in Ape
Elīna Zālīte’s presence is still felt in the town of Ape. She was a poet, writer, playwright, and translator. Her works were vivid and diverse in 20th-century Latvia. Through her writings, Elīna Zālīte explored the inner world of women and the problems of her time. Her poetry collections Sila ziedi, the short story collections Sūrais malks and Saules zeme Ēģipte, as well as the novel Agrā rūsa, are some of her notable works. She also wrote plays that were beloved by theater audiences, such as Bīstamais vecums (The Dangerous Age), Maldu Mildas sapņojums (Milda’s Dream of Deception), and the musical comedy Zilo ezeru zemē (In the Land of Blue Lakes).
Elīna Zālīte translated many important works from Estonian, Finnish, and Russian, including the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg, as well as works by Estonian writers Anton Tamsāre and Friederbert Tuglas.
Her childhood home at Dzirnavu Street 24 is now a memorial house, where visitors can explore the exhibition The Life and Literary Path of Elīna Zālīte. The writer’s memory is also honored with a street named after her, demonstrating that Elīna Zālīte remains a part of Ape’s identity. Near the primary school, there is a monument dedicated to her (a sculptural portrait).
Motocross – The Roaring Rhythm of Ape
Ape is not only a place where exceptional literature is created and history is inspiring; it is also a place where people are passionate about motorsport and adrenaline. In 1977, Arvīds Levans and his like-minded friends built a motocross track in Ape. It quickly became one of the most prominent tracks in Latvia. The track was constructed in the natural valley of the Vaidava River and was supplemented with several jumps and other obstacles. The track is not only interesting and easy to follow for spectators, but it is also challenging for athletes.
Every year, motorsport enthusiasts come to Ape to attend the Vaidavas Kauss (Vaidava Cup). This competition has become an internationally recognized motocross event. It is organized by the Motoclub Ape, which is still led by Arvīds Levans’ son, Mairis Levans. Mairis has been the Latvian motocross champion eight times and has represented Latvia multiple times in the Nations Cup, a competition involving athletes from various countries.
Matīss Karro is another motocross athlete from Ape. He has been the world champion for youth, a nine-time Latvian champion, and has won competitions in other countries as well.
Motorsport in Ape is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of life. Children in Ape learn this passion from their parents. Here, everyone cares about this tradition, and every spring, the sound of motorcycles and the smell of gasoline fill the town’s garages, streets, and people’s hearts.
We hope we’ve shown you a part of our town, where people not only live but also create, inspire, and leave lasting memories!