RIGA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Several Latvian breweries and pubs announced on Friday to create Riga Beer District, aiming to promote craft brews of small beer companies and highlight local beer culture.

The idea belongs to Aigars Rungis, the owner of Latvia's Valmiermuizas Alus brewery, who proposed to create the district in a neighborhood where Kymmel, Kuntzendorff and von Stritzky breweries were making beer a century ago.

Founders of Riga Beer District have signed a manifesto, pledging to promote beer culture in Latvia.

Santa Margevica, a spokeswoman for Riga Beer District, said a ten-day beer festival will be taking place at Riga Beer District from Feb. 9 to 18, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the beer district's nine pubs, learn about old Latvian beer making traditions and attend various cultural events.

Visitors are also offered guided tours of Riga Beer District with beer-tasting and other refreshments along the way. Enditem