A Five-Night “Illuminated Liepāja” Walk on Occasion of the City’s 400th Anniversary

As Liepāja marks its 400th anniversary, the city will be bathed in a glow, with the much anticipated “Illuminated Liepāja” walk unfolding over five evenings, from March 18 to 22.

This luminous journey will unite over twenty illuminated landmarks under the theme “Creative Foresight,” exploring the delicate dance between art and technology.

The unveiling of the “Illuminated Liepāja” will coincide with the city’s birthday concert performance, “Personal Code: Liepāja,” on March 18, with installations lighting up the night from 21:00 to 23:00. In the following days – March 19 to 22 – the city’s streets, squares, and facades will shimmer from 19:00 to 23:00.

This year’s edition of the beloved walk will feature twenty-four luminous installations, transforming the city’s urban skyscape into a dreamlike realm where light whispers stories upon the walls, where technology breathes life into the shadows, and where imagination is given free rein to soar.

Alongside renowned light artists from Liepāja, Latvia, and beyond young creative minds – students, preschoolers, and emerging video artists – will this year contribute their visions to the overall concept as well.

Carrying forward the spirit of Liepāja as the European Capital of Culture 2027, this year’s guiding motif, “Creative Foresight”. The Liepāja Culture Department, in collaboration with “UNTITLED” Ltd., brings this journey to life, with Mārcis Gulbis curating its artistic narrative.

As the city glows, Liepāja’s cafes and restaurants will tempt visitors with a special birthday dessert – wind cakes, a tribute to the coastal city’s unbreakable bond with the restless sea breeze. This delectable creation will be served at Bakery “Roma” (Zivju iela 3), Café “Sakta” (Tirgoņu iela 22), Restaurant “Upe” (Lielā iela 11), Maestro Design Hotel & Restaurant (Jūras iela 22), Fish Restaurant “Boroffish” (Vecā Ostmala 29), Burger joint “Pasta Burgers” (Friča Brīvzemnieka iela 33), Restaurant “Pastnieka Māja” (Friča Brīvzemnieka iela 53), Restaurant “Hoijeres Krogs” (Kungu iela 24), and Restaurant “Oskars” (Rīgas iela 7/9).

For those eager to discover the city’s history beyond the glow, free walking guided tours will offer a deeper dive into Liepāja’s soul. Departing from RTU Liepāja Academy (Lielā iela 14), these tours will be held on:

• Wednesday, March 19 at 19:00 (Latvian),
• Thursday, March 20 at 19:00 (Latvian),
• Friday, March 21 at 19:00 (Latvian & English), and
• Saturday, March 22 at 19:00 (Latvian & English).

To ensure visitors make the most of this celebration, the Liepāja Region Tourist Information Office (Rožu laukums 5/6) will extend its hours on March 19 to 22, remaining open until 22:00.

For more information

Zita Lazdāne
Head of Public Relations and Marketing Department
Liepāja City Municipality Central Administration
Phone: +371 22 017 277
E-mail: samd@liepaja.lv