Liepāja, Latvia, is celebrating its 401st birthday with a weeklong series of events, drawing residents and visitors alike to commemorate the city’s rich history. The festivities, which began Tuesday, include concerts, exhibitions, and sporting activities, offering a diverse range of experiences for all ages.
The city’s birthday, marked annually on March 18th, is a source of pride for locals, who express a heightened sense of patriotism during the celebrations. “When there are holidays in Liepāja, they are truly holidays! At least in our family, that’s how We see,” said Liepāja resident Inga.
“It gives us a patriotic feeling to remember how it all began,” added Ernests, another Liepāja resident.
The Liepāja City Museum is experiencing increased interest from visitors eager to learn about the city’s origins and development, with special educational programs offered for students. “Looking at the entire timeline, from when it was first mentioned in written sources to gaining city rights in 1625, it’s clear how rapidly this settlement developed,” explained Ieva Sila, a historian at the Liepāja City Museum.
Over the four centuries since its founding, Liepāja has grown into the third-largest city in Latvia and even served as the country’s capital for a period. “We should be very proud, because Liepāja was the second most important city in all of Latvia during the interwar period, and without Liepāja, it wouldn’t be what it is today,” the historian noted. This historical significance underscores the city’s importance to Latvia’s national identity.
To mark the occasion, several restaurants in Liepāja are offering “wind cakes,” a local specialty aptly named for the city’s coastal location. “We’ve created a charcoal biscuit, because of ‘Illuminated Liepāja,’ and it symbolizes Liepāja nights, with a raspberry accent in color and a small surprise inside,” explained Tīna, a representative from the bakery “Roma.”
“I think wind cakes are very fitting for Liepāja’s birthday,” said Inga, a chef at the restaurant “Upe.”
“I really want to put up that flag and tell the whole world, remind them that there is such a beautiful, untamed city where we live, function, and where we welcome everyone,” said Anete Strazda, manager of the restaurant “Paviljons.”
Public transportation is free throughout the city on March 18th to ensure uncomplicated access to all the birthday events.
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