Poetry Days 2025 in Daugavpils

From September 9 to 15, the traditional Poetry Days will take place in Daugavpils and the Augšdaugava region, marking the 160th anniversary of the distinguished Latvian poet Rainis. Throughout the week, various cultural venues will host literary and musical events, attracting both well-known and new authors, as well as poetry enthusiasts.

In Daugavpils, the opening of Poetry Days will occur on Tuesday, September 9, at 4:00 p.m. in the Media Hall of the Unity House, where the launch of the anthology “Poetry Days 2025” will be celebrated. This year, more than 40 authors from Daugavpils and the Augšdaugava region participated in the creation of the anthology. In the evening, at 5:30 p.m., the Poetry Days Open Mic will also take place there, offering every author the opportunity to read their poetry.

As usual, events during Poetry Days will be held in various places – in libraries, cultural centers, and even on a tram. On Tuesday, September 10, the “Poetry Tram” will operate in the city. During the ride on the retro tram, passengers will enjoy poetry performed by local authors of Daugavpils, as well as view urban and tourist sites. Boarding for the “Poetry Tram” will be at 11:00 a.m. at the “Unity House” stop (heading towards the Fortress). One tram trip will be organized, lasting approximately one hour. As seating is limited, please register in advance by calling: 654 26422.

A more extensive program is expected on September 11, Rainis' birthday. On this day, there will be a memorial moment and flower-laying at the grave of Rainis’ father, Krišjānis Pliekšāns, and at Rainis’ bust in the Daugavpils University square, as well as an exciting orienteering game for students, “Poetry Rally,” in the Andrejs Pumpurs square. To register for the orienteering game, call: 654 38173.

The highlight of Poetry Days in Daugavpils will be the festive event “From the Ancient Bright World,” dedicated to the 160th anniversary of Rainis, the 150th anniversary of Grīva School, and the first anniversary of the Rainis Center. At 5:00 p.m. at the Rainis Center, an environmental object will be unveiled, and there will be greetings and musical performances. Literary historian Gaida Jablovska will reveal lesser-known pages of Rainis' biography. There will also be creative meetings with writers, artists, musicians, photographers, as well as “Rainis Era” games, dances, and refreshments.

On September 12, Poetry Days will continue with a meeting with poet Ivars Šteinbergs at the Latgale Central Library, the presentation of the almanac “Our Rainis” at the Rainis Center, and the concert program “Songs of Love” at the Unity House.

Meanwhile, on September 13, the event “Rainis at Home – Come!” will be hosted at Rainis’ house in Berķenele, inviting poetry lovers from the Augšdaugava region. Visitors will be greeted with poetry readings, games, a new reading room, a performance, an exhibition, mind games, contests, a festive cake, and even a “Silence Disco.”

Poetry Days in Daugavpils will conclude on September 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Russian Cultural Center of the Unity House with the performance “Daugavpils in Poetry” by the People’s Theater “Iskateļ.”

All Poetry Days events will be free of charge, and the organizers invite everyone to enjoy the poetry festival, which this autumn will fill Daugavpils and the Augšdaugava region with Rainis’ spirit, creative meetings, and warm encounters.

Information prepared by
Daugavpils City Municipality
Public Relations Department,
Latgale Central Library