Cēsis Hosts First Day of 'Lampa' Conversation Festival

The "Lampa" conversation festival has transformed Cēsis's castle park into a vibrant hub of dialogue and exchange, with thousands of attendees flocking to the event on its opening day. The festival's central theme, "What Should Not Be Talked About?", has sparked lively discussions and debates across various topics.

On the first day alone, more than 150 events unfolded, including conversations, discussions, interviews, workshops, and performances. Popular topics included mental health, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship, with a particularly strong turnout for sessions on genealogical research. The festival grounds buzzed with energy, as visitors actively participated in activities ranging from "MiniLampa" to wellness zones and reading tents.

Egita Prāma, the director of the "Lampa" festival, expressed her admiration for the event's ability to foster spontaneous connections. "Every year, I am surprised by how quickly Cēsis castle park transforms into a place where complete strangers start talking to each other," she said. "Some come for a specific discussion, others just to stroll, but very often they leave with a new thought, a new question, or a new conversation. I think that is one of the most beautiful things that happens at 'Lampa'."

The festival continues on Saturday, July 11, promising hundreds more conversations and discussions. The evening will feature a "Politicians' Roast" to conclude the event. All festival events are free to attend, aiming to strengthen Latvia's culture of democracy, discussion, and respectful conversation.

“

Every year, I am surprised by how quickly Cēsis castle park transforms into a place where complete strangers start talking to each other. Some come for a specific discussion, others just to stroll, but very often they leave with a new thought, a new question, or a new conversation. I think that is one of the most beautiful things that happens at 'Lampa'.