Ventspils Street Community Festival Brings Together Residents, Neighbours, and Visitors in Kuldīga

On 20 June, the Ventspils Street Community Festival took place in Kuldīga as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. The event brought together residents of Ventspils Street, local community members, neighbours, friends, and visitors for a day dedicated to connection, shared experiences, and community spirit. The festival aimed to strengthen local ties, encourage meaningful interactions, and celebrate the stories, skills, and memories that contribute to the unique character and identity of Ventspils Street in Kuldīga.

For one day, the community courtyard transformed into a lively meeting place where generations came together. Long-time residents who have preserved the stories and traditions of Ventspils Street shared the space with younger generations who are shaping its future. These meaningful exchanges helped strengthen community ties, foster new connections, and reinforce a shared sense of belonging and pride in the local area.

The festival programme offered a diverse range of cultural and educational activities for visitors of all ages. Participants enjoyed stories and personal memories about life on Ventspils Street, discovered the talents of local residents, took part in creative workshops and hands-on masterclasses, and experienced a variety of music, dance, and community conversations. Highlights of the day included guided bicycle rides and tours aboard the “Rumbabus,” which invited participants to explore hidden stories, local landmarks, and the rich cultural heritage of Ventspils Street.

The event was filled with opportunities for shared experiences and celebration, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. Visitors enjoyed soup cooked over an open fire, took part in activities designed for all ages, and came together to mark the arrival of the summer solstice, embracing the traditions and spirit of the season.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who dedicated their time, effort, and enthusiasm to making this event possible – from storytellers, artists, and craftspeople to community organisations, senior groups, young people, volunteers, and all those who contributed to creating a truly memorable community celebration. This event reminds us that culture is not confined to concert halls, museums, or major events. It thrives in our neighbourhoods, conversations, shared memories, and everyday interactions. Meaningful cultural life begins at the local level, in places where people connect, support one another, and work together to create something valuable for their community,” said Ruta Orlova, representative of the association “Kuldīga Senior School”.

The event demonstrated that the strength of a local community lies in its people and their desire to come together. By strengthening the community today, we are creating an environment where people want to live and return to, and one that we can proudly show to guests in the future as we prepare for 2027 and new opportunities for Kuldīga’s development.

The project “Ventspils Street Creative Courtyard” was organized by the association “Kuldīga Senior School” as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” project programme. Financed by Liepāja State City, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, the Ministry of Culture and the State Culture Capital Foundation. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by the leading partner in environmental education and sustainability AS “CleanR Grupa”, the leading partner in air traffic and international communications AS “Air Baltic Corporation”, partner in legal matters SIA “Sorainen ZAB”, partner in land traffic SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, partner in maritime traffic and international communications SIA “Stena Line”. Media partners – VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, SIA “TVNET GRUPA”, AS “KURZEMES RADIO”.

Information prepared by:

Ruta Orlova
Association “Kuldīgas Senioru skola”