On Saturday, June 13, the first Ezerkrasts Picnic was held in Liepāja as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. The event brought local residents together to connect with their neighbours, exchange ideas, and discuss the future development of the Ezerkrasts neighbourhood.
“Do you know that feeling when people who have simply passed each other by finally meet and discover how much they have in common? That’s exactly what the first Ezerkrasts Picnic was like,” says Barbara Freiberga, representative of the association “Liepāja Residency and Cultural Center”.
More than 30 residents participated in the gathering. Throughout the day, people joined and left as their schedules allowed, creating a steady flow of conversations and activities. Despite this natural movement, the atmosphere of community, engagement, and conversations remained strong throughout the event.
“The conversations were truly meaningful. Residents shared stories about returning to their hometown, building life together, and memories of the schools where they spent their childhood years. They spoke about why Ezerkrasts is their favourite place to live, walk, and stay active, as well as what makes the neighbourhood unique – its character, atmosphere, and a special sense of belonging that is difficult to describe but easy to feel. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, brought refreshments, shared their stories, lent a helping hand, laughed together, and simply spent time with one another. Communities are not built through grand plans alone; they grow from everyday moments, conversations, and people who genuinely care about the place they call home. It feels as though something truly special has begun in Ezerkrasts,” continues Barbara Freiberga.
The event was organized by the association “Liepāja Residency and Culture Centre” in cooperation with association “Radi Vidi Pats” and with financial support from the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027.” The programme of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, with funding allocated by the City of Liepāja, the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, and the Ministry of Culture. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, legal partner: Sorainen Law Office, Ltd., Jsc; and its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd. Media partners: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd. and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.
Information prepared by
The Association “Liepāja Residency and Cultural Center”
Barbara Freiberga
Phone: +371 28 307 476
E-mail: reliepaja@gmail.com
From 29 September to 1 October, representatives of Liepāja 2027 took part in an ECOC Echo project partner meeting in Chemnitz, Germany.
On October 9, 2026, in Liepāja, as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, an open-air photography exhibition titled “One Day in Liepāja 1987–2007 – 2025,” which, through images taken in three different years, will reveal the life of the city and its people over the course of half a century.
On Wednesday, 30 September, the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 Supervisory Board held its latest meeting, during which Board members were updated on progress to date, the implementation of the programme and preparations for the key events of 2027. Particular attention was given to the opening programme for the European Capital of Culture year in January.