On Saturday, January 18, we will grandly launch the year of Latvia’s Cultural Capital, which will be filled with numerous local and national events. Opening day celebrations will take place across nearly all regions of Cēsis Municipality.
The year will be inaugurated with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis—a masterpiece of grandeur and magnificence—marking the beginning of a journey where Cēsis will shine as Latvia’s Cultural Capital. This is a commitment made in alignment with the cultural program envisioned for the European Capital of Culture in 2027. The opening concert will take place at Cēsis Concert Hall at 17:00, and tickets are available at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices.
At 19:30, we will gather at Vienības Square for the free public event “The Call of Light”, a breathtaking fusion of art and illumination symbolizing unity and a new, bright chapter in the cultural landscape of Cēsis. The square will be transformed by a unique light installation created by the Cosmos Exploration Center team in collaboration with artist Baiba Prindule-Rence. This installation will turn the wishes of attendees into light, making each visitor a part of the event.
The evening’s artistic and musical program will feature performances by composer and percussionist Rihards Zaļupe, poetry performances by Cēsis Theatre actors, vocal renditions of Emīls Dārziņš’ compositions, and contemporary dance performances. The event will also include a spectacular light show and other surprises.
The night will continue with a high-energy rave party featuring 4LIVE Project, DJ [Ex] da Bass, and Linda Samsonova. For those looking for a more informal atmosphere, the afterparty will take place at Art Space “Mala”.
Additional events marking the Cultural Capital launch:
- Vecpiebalga Living Room – Unveiling of the “Latvia’s Cultural Capital Cēsis 2025” emblem.
- 18:30, Vecpiebalga Culture House – “Shine, Vecpiebalga!” closing event: participant recognition, bell ensemble concert continuation, and social gatherings.
- 18:00, Skujene Culture House – Terra Festival presents a demo event “PORTAL” featuring music and light projections. (Entry: €5)
- 19:00, Amata Culture House – 16th International Ģikši Dance Night: an all-night dance event featuring over 100 musicians from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, and Finland, drawing hundreds of dancers from Latvia and beyond.
- Jaunpiebalga Culture House Gallery “Velves” – The “LIGHT” exhibition, featuring an extensive lineup of Piebalga artists, is already open.
- 19:00, Jaunpiebalga Culture House – “Hidden Knowledge” trivia game about Cēsis Municipality.
The event schedule for Opening Day will be updated. For detailed information about the Cultural Capital Opening Day and the year-long program, visit cesis2025.lv.
This text has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence.