From 21–22 May 2026, Liepāja welcomed the Évora 2027 team for a working visit, continuing to strengthen cooperation and develop shared initiatives on the road to 2027, when both Liepāja and the Portuguese city of Évora will hold the title of European Capital of Culture.
During the visit, several working sessions took place, continuing discussions initiated in Évora on potential joint projects and future areas of cooperation. One of the most significant upcoming milestones in this collaboration will be the ECoC Family Meeting, a European Capitals of Culture network event that will take place in Liepāja this September and will be organised in close cooperation with the Évora team. The event will bring together representatives of European Capitals of Culture, creating space for dialogue, the exchange of experience, and the development of new collaborative opportunities.
The teams also discussed plans to highlight each other’s programmes, values and unique stories during the opening events in both cities. Such an approach would not only strengthen the partnership between the two cities, but would also provide a wider audience with the opportunity to discover their identities, cultural diversity and shared European dimension.
During the working visit, the Évora 2027 team also explored Liepāja’s cultural and urban diversity. Particular praise was given to the Great Amber Concert Hall and Liepāja Theatre, both of which received many positive and enthusiastic comments from the visitors. The day concluded with a joint visit to Museum Night events, offering an opportunity to experience the vibrancy and unique atmosphere of Liepāja’s cultural life.
We are delighted to welcome friends and partners to Liepāja.
The symposium will feature masterclasses, demonstrations of traditional skills, and discussions on cultural spaces, craftsmanship, and the significance of intangible cultural heritage in contemporary society.
On 21 June, the square near the Kazdanga bus stop and the shore of Lake Dzirnavezers will become a site for Midsummer celebration and fire ritual, where local residents of Kazdanga will be joined by traditional music performers from the Finnish city of Oulu – European Capital of Culture 2026, to launch the “Nordic Solstice” project of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 in South Kurzeme.
On Tuesday, 19 May, the (un)rest programme of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 was presented to foreign ambassadors and international institutions in Latvia at the “Ola Foundation” cultural space, highlighting existing international cooperation and future partnership opportunities.
