Strazde Rural Territory

Population: 503

Area: 42,3km²

Density: 11.9 per 1km²

Administration of Strazde Rural Territory:

Strazde Manor, Strazde, Strazde Rural Territory, Talsi Municipality, LV - 3291

Phone/Fax: 63254889, Email: strazde.parvalde@talsi.lv

Chairperson of Administration of Strazde Rural Territory: Sandra Pētersone

Strazde Rural Territory’s Administration is open:

Council, cashier's office

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HISTORY

Village of Strazde (Villa Stratzen) in chronicles first appears in 1291.

Around year 1400 Strazde-Andumi County was leased to Marquard Steckemesser. The vast property was inherited by his grandson Herman Butlar. Strazde remained property of Butlar family until 1690. From 1690 owners of Strazde changed frequently until in 1799 it was bought by Baron of Nurmhusen (today Lauciene) von Fircks.  Until the power decline of Baltic German nobility Strazde was owned by von Fircks family.

At the end of 19th century according to Law of Parishes in Baltic Governorate Strazde Parish was merged with Nurmhusen Parish (now Lauciene Rural Territory), but in 1918 it was separated and a new Strazde Parish was formed.  In 1945 Strazde Parish was disbanded, but already in 1951 its villages were united and Strazde Parish was renewed.  In 1970 collective farms in Strazde Parish, "Varonis" and "Virbi" were united and in 1974 parish itself was united with Virbi Parish.

During Latvian National Awakening workers of collective farms wanted to become more self-dependent. So in 1989 a collective farm called “Strazde” was created. In April 2^nd 1992 with a decree from Supreme Council of Republic of Latvia Strazde Rural Territory was renewed.

The basis of populated places Strazde and Kāķīši forms former manor complexes – architectural monuments of local importance which are surrounded by manor parks, they are nature conservation areas. Since 1922 voices of young schoolchildren can be heard in former Strazde Manor House and in Kāķīši Manor which since 1851 is a children’s home.

As with all of manor houses also in Strazde Manor you can find a ghost – the White Lady, described by eyewitnesses as a beautiful women with silvery hair, who appears only at midnight during full moon. When spotted she hides in old stone walls, but it is said that it is hard to spot her in winter time because she blends with the snow. At nights her steps can be heard.

The pride of the rural territory is 7.6 hectares large Strazde Manor Park with a beautiful bridge over a pond. Rumour has it that manor’s noblewomen spent a lot of time on the bridge while adoring reflection of hers in the water.

In the rural territory is a 3.6 hectares large dendrological plantation can be found at tree nursery “Robežnieki”.

The symbol of Strazde is the smallest and oldest stone church in the region, it is also called the White Church and it is an architectural monument of national importance. It was built from 1591 to 1596 and in 1727 was mentioned in church list of St. Michael. Amongst churches properties are several art monuments of national importance: organ, altar painting “Christ”, two ends of church benches, ceiling lantern, chalice, church bell and sculpture “Christ”. In autumn of 1958 parts of movie, made by Riga Film Studio, “Aija” were shot during churches service. The wedding ceremony portrayed in the movie was led by churches priest and each member of congregation for participation in the movie received three rubles. 

Strazde culture traditions developed in 1920s, when in 1922 Latvian Youth Union Strazde office started its activities, including parish’s drama group and from 1923 a choir. Restless leaders of cultural life were teachers of Strazde School Augusts Jansons and Vilis Mitlers. Cultural activities and events were held in libraries, schools and on open-air stage 

Since 1958 a weaver hobby group was founded and their artwork has travelled to exhibitions in Talsi, Rīga and even to Moscow. Also a non-governmental organisation “Svētavots” operates in Strazde Rural Territory, their task is to examine our cultural history, traditions and to gather materials, also female and senior clubs are very active.

On the right-hand side of motorway Rīga-Ventspils in September 3^rd 1996 sculpture “Zaļā saule” (Green sun) made by Vilinis Titāns was set up, is praise to counties green forests, life and fertility. 

Key economic sector in Strazde Rural Territory is agriculture. 42 farms and 123 personal farm plots engage in agricultural production. Agro services to farmers are provided by cooperative “Strazde”.  Farmers cultivate grains, vegetables, cumin, are building fish ponds and take care of their cows, horses and sheep.