Liepāja Prepares for Cultural Spotlight as European Capital of Culture 2027
Liepāja, Latvia, is gearing up for a major cultural moment as it prepares to take center stage as the European Capital of Culture in 2027. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, a portion of the diverse program, titled “(ne)miers” – meaning “(non)peace” – was publicly announced, promising a wide array of events spanning music, contemporary art, interdisciplinary projects, and community initiatives.
The program will extend beyond the city limits of Liepāja, encompassing the regions of Dienvidkurzeme and Kuldīga. This collaborative approach highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage and aims to usher in a new era for Kurzeme, one of Latvia’s oldest lands. The initiative underscores the growing importance of regional cultural hubs within Europe.
The announcement included details of initial events, with two large-scale concerts set to unveil the program. Matīss Kažs and Laura Groza have been tapped to create these opening performances, although composer Ēriks Ešenvalds is contributing a new function specifically for the occasion.
According to Liepāja.travel, the city boasts “rich and powerful cultural traditions, extensive and diverse modern entertainment opportunities, high-quality and comprehensive cultural offerings, artists from all over the world and wide opportunities for everyone to participate in shaping Liepāja’s cultural life.”
The overarching concept of “(ne)miers” stems from Liepāja’s identity as the birthplace of the wind – a force that embodies both tranquility and unrest, and serves as a catalyst for creativity. The program is structured around five key themes, addressing critical issues relevant to both Liepāja and Europe as a whole. The goal is to provide a sense of direction in an ever-changing world.
The city’s preparations also include a focus on showcasing its unique identity. As Liepāja.lv reports, the project aims to demonstrate that Liepāja actively contributes to the shaping of Europe. The upcoming year promises a vibrant cultural landscape for the region and beyond.
