The Riga cityscape will transform into a sprawling, illuminated gallery from November 15 to 18, as the “Staro Rīga” festival unveils 52 light installations across both banks of the Daugava River.
The festival route spans nearly five kilometers, creating a series of light loops that connect key urban landmarks. On the left bank, the path stretches from the National Library of Latvia, known as the “Castle of Light,” along the Mūkusalas promenade, as reported by Delfi.
The right bank route is more extensive, anchoring in the Spīķeru district near the Central Market and extending through the historic Old Town and Viesturdārzs, reaching toward Kronvalda Park.
Organizers noted that more than two-thirds of the festival's core program consists of new works by local Latvian light artists.
International participation brings distinct, large-scale technical feats to the city. Hungarian artist László Zsolt Bordos has created a massive light installation titled “ASCEND” for the facade of the National Library. Art is a revelation illuminated by light,” according to Lasi.lv.”
In Viesturdārzs, the festival focuses on the interplay of light and movement. French artist Sébastien Lefèvre will present “SOLEIL NUIT” (“Sun at Night”), a kinetic sculpture featuring over 5,000 mirror elements.
“This year, the park’s light loop is united by the central idea that light exists only in movement, and each park path will gain its own unique character,” reported 1188.lv. Meanwhile, the Rīga Congress Center will host a projection by the Hungarian group “Lightspray Visual,” utilizing analog projectors and kinetic mechanisms to animate the building’s facade.
For the first time in the history of “Staro Rīga,” the festival is prioritizing inclusivity by providing professional audio descriptions for all 52 light objects. The organization “Socintegra” has developed these descriptions in both Latvian and English, which will be accessible via the festival’s website.
“We want blind people not to be left on the sidelines, but to be able to independently get to know art, grasp its message, and become full participants in cultural life,” said Marija Kožarina, chair of the board at Socintegra, in a statement reported by Diena.
These audio descriptions detail the installation’s form, scale, composition, color, and light movement, allowing visitors with visual impairments to form their own mental image of the art. This initiative follows the organization’s previous work in museums and galleries; LSM notes the group is now planning large-scale urban events to be more accessible.
The festival also integrates with the country’s national holiday celebrations. For the first time, an object titled “Dižkoku balsis” (“Voices of Great Trees”) will be placed at the foot of the Freedom Monument. On November 18, this structure will serve as a stage for a festive concert.
The musical program, titled “Brīvības ainavas” (“Landscapes of Freedom”), begins at 7:00 p.m. and features artists including Aija Andrejeva, Asnate Rancāne, and the vocal group “Neaizmirstulītes.” The concert will be hosted by Līga Zeļģe and Mārtiņš Brūveris.
Following the performance, a five-minute light and laser show is scheduled to run periodically from 8:10 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Installations across the city will remain open for public viewing nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. through the end of the festival on November 18.
