After a two-year pause, Riga’s residents and guests will once again have the opportunity to celebrate the New Year together. On the evening of 31 December, the Municipality of Riga invites everyone to visit the square in front of the Riga Congress Hall or Riga Town Hall Square where from 21:00 to 2:00 you will be able to enjoy a cultural programme with performances by various musicians, as well as a musical improvisation with lights.
The square in front of the Riga Congress Hall will entertain the youth audience with performances by the humour rock band “Pirmais kurss”, the band “Carnival Youth”, rapper Ansis and accompanying musicians, as well as the rap group “Kreisais krasts”. The event will be hosted by Aivis Ceriņš.
In Riga Town Hall Square, the rock band “Dzelzs Vilks”, Ralfs Eilands with accompanying musicians, the bagpipe and drum music group “Auļi”, as well as the alternative rock band “Sudden Lights” will perform for a wider audience. The event will be hosted by Uģis Joksts.
At both venues at midnight in addition to the cultural programme, a small improvisation of lights and music is also planned as a symbol of the end of 2022 and to welcome 2023.
Riga’s residents and visitors will also have the opportunity to attend the festive gifts and treats market in Doma Square (with a cultural programme) and in Esplanāde Park (with musical entertainment, a Ferris wheel and the Rabbit Kingdom) until 2:00. The Christmas Light Trail with light installations accompanied by popular melodies will be on display for city residents and guests.
In order to make it easier to attend the events, on 31 December and 1 January, Riga’s public transport will be free of charge, and extra buses will be provided.
There will be no municipally-organised fireworks in Riga this year. Such decision has been made due to the international geopolitical situation and noise levels that can be associated with war, as well as the aim to reduce environmental pollution and not traumatise pets. Riga City Council also calls on the residents not to use pyrotechnic products on New Year’s Eve.
Information was prepared by: Mārtiņš Vilemsons, Project Coordinator at External Communication Division of Riga City Council Communication Department, e-mail: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv