Liepāja’s 400th Anniversary with All-Year Diverse Celebrations

In 2025, Liepāja will mark a significant milestone—its 400th anniversary—with a year-long celebration filled with a diverse programme of events. From culture and arts to sports, business, and community initiatives, the city will come alive with activities designed to engage locals and visitors. The celebrations will highlight the rich historical heritage of Liepāja, while inspiring new traditions and future achievements.

Throughout the year, residents and guests will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events ranging from the business exhibition “Made in Liepāja” to concerts, performances, urban beautification campaigns and other activities.

“Liepāja is a city rooted deeply in its rich and abundant history, but what truly makes it special are the people who continue to shape its storyline every day,” says Gunārs Ansiņš, Chairman of the Liepāja City Council. “With the quadricentenary programme, we want to capture the unique charm of the Windy City and celebrate the people who bring Liepāja to life—highlighting their greatness while also showcasing the city’s diversity to our guests. Together, we will rediscover Liepāja.”

A central part of the anniversary will be the cultural offerings from Liepāja’s key institutions, including the Liepāja Culture Department, Liepāja Latvian Society House, Liepāja Museum and its branches, the Folk Art and Culture Centre, the Great Amber Concert Hall, Liepāja Theatre, and the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra. These organisations, along with independent cultural sector representatives, will present a special programme for the celebrations. Among the highlights will be an acoustic concert at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the beloved “Illuminated Liepāja” Walk enhanced with new lighting installations, and an expanded “Honorary Liepāja Citizen of the Year” award ceremony. Additionally, a Gala Concert—a key event in the 400th anniversary festivities—will be crafted through an open competition to be announced soon, promising a magnificent mega-experience that blends music, art, and cutting-edge technology.

Sports will also play a significant role, with both professional and amateur organisations planning various competitions and tournaments in honour of the city's birthday. Local restaurants and cafés will join the celebration with special offers, adding a culinary dimension to the festivities.

The urban landscape of Liepāja will undergo a transformation, with new landmarks and designs reflecting the city’s anniversary. The “Liepāja 2027 Foundation” has announced a design competition for an interactive outdoor installation titled “Pavējā pretvējā” (the title reflects the windy nature of the city) in the city centre. Seasonal decorations will also incorporate elements that celebrate the city’s 400 years. Additionally, the 2025 city calendar will feature 12 local artists of different generations, each reflecting on their personal vision of Liepāja through visual art, offering a unique artistic perspective on the city’s essence.

Anniversary-tailored presentation materials, including a commemorative tribute magazine, will be available throughout the year. The existing Liepāja logo will receive an anniversary update, with the number “400” incorporated to symbolise the city’s dynamic energy and the ever-present winds of change. These flowing digits in the number 400 reflect not only the time that has passed—honouring the city’s rich history—but also the present and the future that lies ahead.

In addition, a unique visual identity for the 400th anniversary has been created, inviting all to celebrate with pride and joy. The visual identity, enriched by the traditional city colours of white, black, and red, now includes gold accents, adding a festive sparkle to the cityscape and infusing a celebratory mood throughout Liepāja and leaving the wind to dance not only with digits, but also with other elements.

As the anniversary year unfolds, locals will have ample opportunities to get involved in various activities organised by the municipality, cultural institutions, and community activists. The programme will be revealed gradually, with key highlights set to be announced at the end of 2024. These year-round celebrations will not only pay tribute to Liepāja’s vibrant past, but also will shape its future by coming together to create inspiring new traditions.

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