On Saturday, January 18, we will mark the grand opening of Latvia’s Cultural Capital Year, which will be filled with numerous local and national events. The opening day will feature activities across almost all areas of the region.
With Ludwig van Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis—its grandeur and magnificence—we will inaugurate a year in which Cēsis, fulfilling its publicly stated commitment to implement the cultural program prepared for the European Capital of Culture 2027 bid, will shine as Latvia’s Cultural Capital. The opening concert will take place at Cēsis Concert Hall, starting at 5:00 PM. Tickets are available at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices.
Following the concert, at 7:30 PM, we will gather in Vienības Square for the free “Cēsis 2025” opening event, Call of Light. This event will feature an impressive fusion of art and light, symbolizing unity and a new, bright chapter in the cultural life of the Cēsis region. The square will be illuminated by a unique light installation created by the Space Exploration Center team in collaboration with artist Baiba Prindule-Rence. This installation will transform each attendee’s message into light, allowing everyone to be a part of the event.
The musical and artistic portion of the event will feature performances by composer and percussionist Rihards Zaļupe, special poetry recitations by Cēsis Theatre actors, renditions of compositions by Emīls Dārziņš, and contemporary dance performances. The evening will continue with a dynamic and energetic atmosphere—4LIVE Project, DJ Ex da Bass, and Linda Samsonova will host a spectacular rave party, followed by an informal closing gathering at the Art Space Mala.
Highlights of the Cultural Capital Year Opening on January 18:
- 11:00 AM – The Brave Čieps, a theatrical Family Morning event at the Cēsis Central Library. A free event for the whole family.
- 11:00 AM – The opening event of Vidzeme Artists’ Days: Climate Check at Cēsis Exhibition Hall, welcoming artists, creative industry professionals, cultural institution representatives, and all interested parties.
- 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM – Artwalk Cēsis, a tour of Cēsis galleries, artist studios, and cultural venues. More information and a map available HERE.
- 4:00 PM – At the World Latvian Art Center, the opening of the exhibition Gerda Roze – 100 by New York-based artist Gerda Roze.
- 6:00 PM – In Vecpiebalga’s Living Room, the unveiling of the Latvia’s Cultural Capital Cēsis 2025 sign.
- 6:30 PM – Shine, Vecpiebalga! closing event at Vecpiebalga Culture Center, featuring a tribute to participants, a continuation of the bell ensemble concert, and social gatherings.
- 6:00 PM – At Skujene Community Center, the Terra Festival demo event PORTAL with music and light projections (admission: €5).
- 7:00 PM – Ģikši Dance Night at Amata Culture Center—an international dance celebration featuring musicians from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, and Finland, with around 100 musicians and hopes of gathering hundreds of dance enthusiasts from Latvia and beyond.
- 7:00 PM – Hidden Knowledge, a game about Cēsis region at Jaunpiebalga Culture Center.
- Film Festival (January 17–26) – The Bear, Lion, and Branch contemporary film festival at Cēsis Concert Hall cinema, showcasing award-winning films from major European festivals (Berlin, Cannes, Venice, San Sebastián). The program includes works by Jacques Audiard, Paolo Sorrentino, François Ozon, Joshua Oppenheimer, and performances by acclaimed actors Tilda Swinton, Isabelle Huppert, and Peter Sarsgaard.
Cēsis 2025 Major Supporters:
AS Cēsu alus, Signet Bank.
Supporter: SIA Venden.
Media Partners: Santa Publishing, Baltic Outlook Magazine.
This text has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence.