Riga Welcomes Friends

The “Riga Welcomes Friends” event invites you to discover cultures from around the world, explore the traditions of Riga’s twin cities, and take part in a variety of creative activities. Stroll along Book Street, enjoy performances by international artists, and end the day with an evening concert featuring favourite Latvian performers.

From 12:00 to 18:00, representatives of foreign embassies and Riga’s twin cities will showcase their cultures, traditions, and unique stories. In Vērmanes Garden, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of different countries and take part in creative activities presented by representatives from Japan, Spain, China, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, India, Ireland, Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and the Belarusian Society in Latvia “Supolka”.

Riga’s twin cities will also offer a diverse programme of activities, with participation from Bremen, Oulu, and Tartu. In addition, municipalities from the Kurzeme region will join the celebrations, while the future European Capital of Culture, Liepāja 2027, will present highlights of its upcoming programme.

From 12:00 to 18:00, the renovated and expanded Book Street will welcome visitors to browse the latest publications and discover the perfect book for every taste and interest.

Creative workshops will be available for the youngest visitors, where they can create postcards for friends, paint suitcases, get their own comic book, and take part in a variety of other educational activities. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the sailing ship carousel created by artist Ivars Mailītis will invite children on a symbolic journey around the world.

The beloved childhood game of hopscotch will return to Vērmanes Garden, where 825 squares will be laid out in honour of Riga. Festival visitors are invited to join in and, as they make their way through the course, discover new and interesting facts about the city.

The area will also host activities as part of the International Contemporary Circus and Street Art Festival “Re Rīga!”

12:00–12:30
Performances by Riga Circus School students
SIXTH (Latvia) — dance performance for the whole family, “Nofočē mani” (“Snap a Pic of Me”)
14:00-14.45 There There Company (Belgium) Circus performance: “Hug me, shake my hand”

A conversation with the artists will follow the performances.

Until 17.30, the stage in Vērmanes Garden will feature performances by international guest groups presenting traditional dances, songs and music, offering a unique opportunity to discover the rich identities, artistic heritage and artistic traditions of diverse nations.

Meanwhile, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the stage at Vērmanes Garden will come alive with a summery, romantic, and cheerful atmosphere. The evening concert programme will feature beloved Latvian and international popular melodies, inviting everyone to sing along, dance and celebrate together in the festive spirit of Riga.

STAGE PROGRAMME

12:00 Opening of the Event

• Group “Tšellopoisid” – Estonia greets Riga
• Lithuanian Groups in Latvia – Lithuania greets Riga
• Azerbaijani Folk Dances – Azerbaijan greets Riga
• Group “Los Paddys” – Ireland greets Riga
• Chinese Dances and Performances – China greets Riga
• Moldovan Folk Music and Dances – Moldova greets Riga
• Spanish Flamenco – Spain greets Riga
• Bollywood Dances – India greets Riga
• Ukrainian Dance and Song Groups – Ukraine greets Riga
• Joran Steinhauer and “Deutsch.koris” – Germany greets Riga
• Group “Shuma” (Belarusian Society in Latvia “Supolka”) – Belarus greets Riga

Evening Concert Programme:

18:00 Le Petit Paris and Diāna Pīrāgs
18:50 Roberto Meloni with friends and accompanying band
20:30 Big Al & The Jokers