On Friday 9 May, communities across Liepāja, Kuldīga and the South Kurzeme region joined in creativity and conversation, as Europe Day was celebrated with a rich and varied programme organised by “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027.”
The European Day Garden Festival, held under the theme “European Dream in Our Backyard”, invited residents of the creative Land of (un)rest to enjoy culture in its many forms – from discussions and concerts to community art and greening activities.
At its heart, the festival was a celebration of shared values and everyday connections. It offered a chance to meet neighbours, reflect on what it means to be European, find common goals, and nurture a stronger sense of belonging – both to the community and to Europe.
The day started with a buzz of excitement in the courtyard of Priekule High School, where kids from across South Kurzeme came together to play games and take part in fun activities, all aimed at exploring European values. It was a lively, hands-on way to learn more about the European Union while having a great time.
To mark the occasion, twelve bright yellow bushes were planted in the schoolyard—a meaningful nod to the twelve-star EU flag, representing unity, solidarity, and harmony. The celebrations also featured the opening of the “Liepāja 2027” sail exhibition, created in collaboration with local communities, schools, and associations. These sails captured the creativity of children and their personal ideas of what it means to be part of Europe.
Students from the European Parliament Ambassador School at Priekule High School took charge of organising the event. With warm smiles and plenty of enthusiasm, they welcomed first-grade students from Priekule School, Kalēti Music and Art Primary School, and Krote Kronvalda Ata Primary School, making sure everyone felt included in the fun.
The energy kept flowing in Liepāja, as locals rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into community planting across six neighbourhoods – Jaunliepāja, Karosta, Dienvidrietumi, Ezerkrasts, Ziemeļu priekšpilsēta (Northern Suburbs), and the city centre. This was the finale of the “Liepāja Blossoms!” campaign, honouring the city’s 400th anniversary. Side by side with city gardeners, residents planted around 1,000 seedlings, soon to burst into life and colour across public flower beds.
By the afternoon, the celebrations continued with “Forest Days”, organised by State JSC “Latvian National Forests” (LVM) also to tribute Liepāja’s 400th anniversary events. Families, workmates, and individual residents came together to plant 49 decorative apple trees as a gift to the city, symbolising care, commitment, and a greener future for generations to come.
Over in Kuldīga, the sincere atmosphere filled the air at the Kuldīga Region Public Library as locals came together to celebrate Europe Day Garden Festival. With spring in full bloom, the festival had a relaxed and welcoming vibe, complete with musical background, a picnic, hands-on creative workshops, and thought-provoking discussions about culture and our role in shaping the European community.
As the sun dipped lower, the festival drew to a close in the courtyard of Liepāja’s Dzintara High School. There, guide Marina Vikaine led visitors on a walk through Velnciems, a northern suburb steeped in history and architectural charm.
Back at the school, guests explored a sail exhibition created by Liepāja residents and took part in creative workshops. The evening wrapped up with a series of lively discussions on the significance of the European Capital of Culture title. Cultural journalist Eva Johansone, philosopher Igors Gubenko and musician Ralfs Eilands joined forces to tackle the big questions – what do European values mean today, and how can each of us play a role in shaping our shared future?
The Europe Day events were made possible through close cooperation with the Liepāja Municipality Utility Services and Education Department, the Liepāja Special Economic Zone Authority, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga Municipalities, Dzintara High School, Liepāja Peter’s Market, LUX Express, and State JSC Latvian National Forests as part of the Forest Days. The campaign was organized by the Liepāja 2027 foundation, with financial support from the Liepāja City Municipality and the Ministry of Culture.
Foundation “Liepāja 2027”
Digital Communications Project Manager
Elizabete Hartmane
Phone: +37125993399
E-mail: elizabete.hartmane@liepaja2027.lv
Liepāja 2027 Foundation has published the results of a comprehensive study conducted on demand by the Latvian Academy of Culture, shedding light on cultural accessibility and development in Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga — collectively described as the Land of (un)rest.
On 30 April, the foundation Liepāja 2027 launched its contemporary art exhibition “Concerns. Crazy Days” at Liepāja’s Peter’s Market, setting the tone with a performance that caught many visitors by surprise.
