Celebrate Easter in Riga
Easter is around the corner, and Riga is ready to embrace it with vibrant celebrations. With a wide-ranging festive program including concerts, workshops, art installations, and traditional Easter swings, the Latvian capital is set to welcome locals and visitors alike with joy, color, and creativity.
Springtime Charm and City Decorations
Just like in previous years, the city will be adorned with seasonal decorations to celebrate the holiday. The visual identity of this year’s celebration comes from Zakhars Purvishks, a young Latvian artist who drew inspiration from a local proverb: “Apaļš kā pūpols, vesels kā rutks” (“Round as a willow-catkin, healthy as a radish”). This saying symbolizes vitality and harmony, reflected in cheerful illustrations of Rigans going about their daily lives surrounded by Easter icons — blooming nature, eggs, and willows.
The festive installations will appear at several key locations: Bastion Hill, Līvu Square, Victory Park, and six spots along the city’s main transportation routes. A special spring-themed installation, “Mūsu mājas” (“Our Home”), will be unveiled at Dome Square starting April 14, with other decorations going up from April 7.
Good Friday Concerts
On April 18, the city will host two special concerts:
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At 17:00, the Ziemeļblāzma Cultural Center will feature “Lieldienas Zemīšu ģimenē” (“Easter with the Zemitis Family”), a heartwarming performance led by renowned guitarist Kaspars Zemītis alongside his family.
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At 19:00, St. John’s Church) will host a unique musical evening with the Riga Orchestra, chamber choir Ave Sol, and conductor Andris Veismanis. The concert will debut a special arrangement of Uģis Prauliņš’ “Stabat Mater” for choir and orchestra.
Traditional Easter Swings Return
One of the most beloved Easter traditions in Latvia is swinging. This year, large wooden swings will be set up in four city locations: Dome Square, Town Hall Square, Līvu Square, and Bastion Hill.
Visitors can enjoy them on April 20 and 21, from 10:00 to 20:00.
Creative Easter Workshops
Hands-on fun awaits all ages in several cultural institutions:
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On April 19–20, the Riga Porcelain Museum will host free workshops with expert talks on ceramics and porcelain.
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On April 19, the Riga Art Nouveau Museum will offer egg-dyeing classes using natural and decorative techniques. On April 20, the same museum will present a family concert titled “Nāc, Lielā diena!” (“Come, Great Day!”)
Family Festival “Ola-lā!” in Mežaparks
On April 21, Easter Monday, Mežaparks will host the large-scale “Ola-lā!” event starting at 12:00 in the Kokars Hall and its surrounding outdoor space. The program includes:
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A scientific show by Laboratorium, featuring fun physics and chemistry experiments
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Slime-making workshops
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Egg decorating, swing rides, and engaging games
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Folk music and dance performances by Teikas muzikanti (Teika’s Musicians)
Children will also enjoy a special illusionist workshop by Edžus Kauķis at 14:00, followed by a magical concert “Muzikālās ilūzijas Lieldienās” (“Musical Illusions on Easter Monday”) at 15:00.
Grand Finale: Handel’s “Messiah”
The Easter celebrations in Riga will conclude with an inspiring concert at 18:00 on April 21 at St. John’s Church, where excerpts from George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed. Under the artistic direction of Andris Veismanis, the concert will feature Ave Sol, the Vidzeme Chamber Orchestra, and a group of talented soloists.
This article was brought to you by Elle, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz Riga.
