A City That Knows How to Celebrate

For a city of its size, Rēzekne punches well above its weight when it comes to festivals, cultural events, and community gatherings. The Latgalian tradition of communal celebration — rooted in agricultural cycles, religious observance, and a fierce local pride — means that there is nearly always something happening in the city or its surroundings.

Whether you're a resident planning your social calendar or a visitor timing your trip to coincide with local festivities, here's an overview of the key events that define the Rēzekne year.

Key Annual Events

Latgalian Cultural Events and Folk Festivals

Latgale has a particularly strong tradition of song, dance, and folk arts. Events celebrating Latgalian culture — including choir concerts, folk music performances, and dance festivals — take place throughout the year in Rēzekne and the surrounding municipalities. These gatherings bring together performers from across the region and are a wonderful window into living Latgalian traditions.

Rēzekne City Day

The city's annual birthday celebration transforms Atbrīvošanas aleja and the central streets into a lively outdoor festival. Concerts, street performances, craft stalls, food vendors, and family activities fill the city centre. City Day is one of the best times to experience the community spirit that defines Rēzekne — a genuinely joyful event for all ages.

Midsummer (Jāņi)

The ancient festival of Jāņi, celebrated around the summer solstice on the night of 23–24 June, is one of Latvia's most beloved traditions — and Latgale takes it seriously. Bonfires are lit across the countryside, people weave flower crowns, sing traditional Latvian folk songs (dainas), and stay up through the short northern night. Many Rēzekne residents head to family properties or rural homesteads for Jāņi, and the atmosphere is magical.

Aglona Pilgrimage (15 August)

While technically centred on the Aglona Basilica about 50 km from Rēzekne, the Assumption of Mary pilgrimage on 15 August is a major event that resonates deeply throughout Catholic Latgale. Tens of thousands of pilgrims travel to Aglona each year, and many Rēzekne residents make the journey as part of an important annual tradition. For visitors, it is a remarkable spectacle of living faith and community.

Christmas and Winter Markets

As Advent begins in December, Rēzekne's central square takes on a festive character. A Christmas tree is erected, stalls sell seasonal treats and handmade gifts, and community choirs perform carols. The winter holiday season in Rēzekne has an intimate, unhurried quality that contrasts pleasantly with the commercial frenzy of bigger cities.

Craft and Produce Markets

Throughout the year, pop-up markets celebrating local crafts, food producers, and artisans appear in various locations around Rēzekne. These are excellent opportunities to purchase authentic Latgalian ceramics, handmade textiles, local honey, preserves, and other products made by local artisans and small-scale producers.

Community Life Beyond Formal Events

Much of what makes Rēzekne's community spirit special happens outside of formal festival programmes. Amateur sports leagues, choir groups, community gardens, volunteer fire brigades in surrounding parishes, and local library reading clubs are all part of the social infrastructure that holds the community together.

  • Sports clubs: Football, basketball, and athletics clubs operate for all age groups.
  • Choir and music groups: A proud Latvian tradition — Rēzekne has several active choirs.
  • Community centres (kultūras nami): Neighbourhood cultural houses host regular events, classes, and gatherings.
  • Volunteer initiatives: Environmental clean-up days, charitable drives, and neighbourhood improvement projects.

Staying Informed About Local Events

The best way to stay up to date with what's happening in Rēzekne is to check the Rēzekne City Council's official website, local social media groups, and community noticeboards. The Latgale Cultural History Museum and the city's cultural centres also publish their own event calendars. Word of mouth remains powerful in a community of Rēzekne's size — get to know your neighbours and you'll never miss anything worth attending.