Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 Opening. “In the light of (un)rest” in Kuldīga

The opening events of the European Capital of Culture year will take place in Liepāja, as well as across the regions of Kuldīga and South Kurzeme, with Kuldīga being one of the locations hosting the celebrations. Kuldīga’s Old Town will be transformed into a vibrant space filled with art, light, music and movement, marking the official opening of Kuldīga Municipality’s participation in the Liepāja 2027 European Capital of Culture programme.

It will be an extraordinary winter evening, when the city’s streets, squares and historic buildings become a stage for a captivating journey through time – from our roots and history to the present day and visions of the future.

The evening will begin with the ringing of Kuldīga’s church bells, followed by performances combining light, music and dance in Town Hall Square. Continuing along Baznīcas Street, visitors will encounter historical characters, musical surprises, local craftspeople at work and artistic installations. The urban environment will reveal stories of Kuldīga’s people, cultural heritage, freedom, belonging and the future.

Throughout the evening, the boundaries between different eras, artistic creation, performers and audiences will dissolve. Everyone will be invited to become part of the event, experience and participate in the activities, and feel the power of togetherness.

The event will culminate on Kuldīga’s historic brick bridge, where music, light and a fusion of artistic genres will symbolically connect the past with the future, Kuldīga with Liepāja, and Latvia with Europe. Residents and visitors will be invited to take part in a collective light installation, creating a bridge of light using their own light sources, such as mobile phone flashlights.

Programme

• 18.00–20.00 Performances in Kuldīga Town Hall Square and along Baznīcas Street
• 20.00–20.30 Event finale on the Old Brick Bridge
• 20.30–00.00 Evening celebrations continue at cultural venues across Kuldīga