From 29 May to 1 June, Daugavpils will celebrate its 750th anniversary. This year, the city’s celebrations will expand considerably, offering a varied and rich programme of culture and entertainment.
The celebrations will begin on Thursday, 29 May, at the Daugavpils Fortress, where visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a musical programme in the courtyard of the Rothko Museum – a cabaret concert performance “THIS IS LIFE …”. This musical and theatrical experience will create a special atmosphere where passion, music and the performance of outstanding artists will merge into one breathtaking evening.
On Friday, 30 May, three stages will be set up in the city centre for concerts offering a varied musical programme. Visitors will be able to enjoy attractions, a wide range of markets and outdoor cafés starting on Friday.
On Friday afternoon, 30 May, the Rothko Museum will open its Summer Exhibition Season and Daugavpils Fortress will host a concert by “PALÚ” and “House of Berries”. The festivities will continue in the city centre – in parks, squares and Rīgas Street, as well as on the main stage at the Unity Square, where the performance of the drum and bagpipe band “AUĻI”, the band “LATGALĪŠU REPS”, the concert programme “ABBORN, “ABBA” and the musical show “RICO SANCHEZ and “The GIPSIES” will be held.
On Saturday, 31 May, the city centre will become the epicentre of the festivities. Music, entertainment and various activities will take place throughout the day. There will also be a colourful festive parade, with the participation of both local residents and visitors. At the end of the day, a grand concert will take place in Vienības Square, which promises to be one of the highlights of the festival. “SUDDEN LIGHTS” and “Bi-2” will perform in the Unity Square.
For the second time, the international event “Tourism Street” will take place during the Daugavpils City Festival. Visitors will be able to get new ideas for their holidays in Daugavpils, other parts of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. During the event, professional advice and recommendations for planning an unforgettable holiday for different target audiences will be available. The “Tourism Street” will be open in the city centre – on Ģimnāzijas Street from Saules Street to Rīgas Street:
30 May from 15.00 to 19.00;
31 May from 10.00 to 19.00.
On Sunday, 1 June, youth will take over the baton with sports activities in Vienības Square. There will be a variety of events attracting sports enthusiasts, amateurs and others.
This year the Latgalian tradition of singing together turns 100 years old, and the Latgalian Song Festival celebrates its 85th anniversary. In this regard, the Latgalian Song Festival will take place on 1 June at the Stropi open air stage for the first time in the last 10 years. During the festival there will be several concerts. The culmination will be a big festive concert, which will bring together both Latgalian artists and guests from other parts of Latvia. The programme will include Latgalian folk songs and modern compositions.