Rēzekne is gearing up to host a major cross-country skiing competition as part of the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Latvian city, known as the heart of Latgale, is preparing to welcome athletes and fans for the event.
The city of Rēzekne has been designated Latvia’s Youth Capital for 2026, and will be hosting a variety of events throughout the year focused on youth engagement, civil society, mental health, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and cultural diversity. This commitment to youth initiatives is a key component of the city’s broader development plans.
Recent news from Rēzekne highlights a period of significant growth and activity. On February 27, 2026, the Rēzekne City Council announced it did not support the method or content of a bill being promoted. Too on February 27th, discussions were held regarding preventative measures for spring floods and high water levels in the area. The city also announced an event called “Snow Day 2026” for February 27th.
Economically, Rēzekne is experiencing a surge in industrial output, marking the fastest growth rate in Latvia as of February 25, 2026. A support program for the acquisition of environmentally friendly energy production equipment for apartment buildings, energy communities, municipalities, and state institutions was approved on February 23, 2026. Collaboration between the municipality and businesses is also being strengthened to facilitate the implementation of EU fund projects, as reported on January 16, 2026.
In education, two volunteers from Azerbaijan have begun work with the ARPC “Zeimuļs” as of February 25, 2026. Discussions are also underway to promote STEAM education in Rēzekne, with a meeting held on February 20, 2026. However, the Education Board’s proposal for optimizing the school network was rejected on the same date.
Culturally, the Rēzekne Orange Choir will be participating in TV3’s “Koru kari” (Choir Wars) on February 24, 2026. Valentine’s Day was celebrated in Rēzekne with creative workshops and a disco on the ice on February 12, 2026. Ilona Rupaine has been appointed as the recent head of the “Austrumlatvijas koncertzāle” (East Latvia Concert Hall) as of February 6, 2026.
RTU Rēzekne Academy showcased study opportunities at the “Skola 2026” international education fair held at the Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre from February 19-21, 2026. Representatives from the academy were available at the Riga Technical University (RTU) stand to answer questions about programs, tuition, and student life.
