Foto: BB.LV / С 15 по 18 ноября латвийская столица вновь станет площадкой для масштабного фестиваля света Staro Rīga
The festival, dedicated to the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, will take place for four consecutive evenings — from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Light installations will appear on the streets, squares, parks, and building facades, changing the familiar appearance of the city for several hours. The main theme of this year's festival is unum momentum, which means "that very moment." Artists will invite viewers to reflect on moments that can change human life, influence decisions made, or leave unforgettable impressions. ## Five Kilometers of Light Wonders The main axis of the festival will be the Daugava River. The organizers have developed a route nearly five kilometers long, uniting light objects into several thematic zones. On the left bank of the river, installations will be visible near the National Library of Latvia and along the Mūkusalas promenade. On the right bank, the route will cover the Spīķeri quarter near the Central Market, Old Riga, the area from the Ave Sol concert hall to Kronvalda Park, as well as Viesturdārzs. Visitors will be able to choose the duration of their walk and familiarize themselves with individual light compositions.  ## The Castle of Light Will Transform Beyond Recognition One of the central events of the festival will be the large-scale installation ASCEND on the facade of the National Library of Latvia. Its author is the renowned Hungarian artist László Zoltán Bordos, who has specially prepared a new work for the Riga festival. With the help of light, he intends to show how art can change the perception of familiar things and open new horizons. An interactive composition by Norwegian artist Anastasia Isachen will appear in Pils Square. In it, modern technology will combine with art, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationship between humans and the environment. An unusual presentation is also being prepared for the facade of the Riga Congress Centre. The Hungarian group Lightspray Visual will use powerful analog projectors and special kinetic mechanisms to create a constantly changing play of light and movement. ## Five Thousand Mirrors Will Create "Sun at Night" Another notable object of the festival will be the kinetic sculpture SOLEIL NUIT ("Sun at Night") by French artist Sébastien Lefèvre. It will be installed in Viesturdārzs. The composition includes over 5,000 mirrored elements that will move and reflect light under the influence of the wind, creating continuously changing glimmers. Equally unusual impressions are promised to visitors of Kronvalda Park, where light and smoke will become part of artistic compositions.  ## For the First Time, a Light Installation Will Appear at the Freedom Monument A special place in the program will be occupied by the composition Dižkoku balsis ("Voices of the Great Trees"). For the first time in the history of Staro Rīga, a light object will be placed directly at the foot of the Freedom Monument. On November 18, the day of the 108th anniversary of the proclamation of Latvia's independence, the installation will transform into a stage for a festive concert. At the end of the performance, viewers will be presented with a special light show. ## Most Works Are Created by Latvian Artists This year's festival will feature both recognized foreign masters and young authors. More than two-thirds of the main program will consist of new works by Latvian artists, specially prepared for Staro Rīga 2026. Students from creative educational institutions will also present their works. The program includes seven installations by students of the Latvian Academy of Arts and four projects from the Latvian College of Culture of the Latvian Academy of Culture, created in collaboration with students from nine European countries. The organizers hope that the festival will not only be a spectacular event but also an opportunity to look at familiar corners of Riga in a new way. Attendance at the festival is free. The full program and a map of all 52 light objects are available on the official website [Staro Rīga](https://staroriga.lv/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
