Festival 'Lampa' Concludes in Cēsis with Record Attendance
The 12th edition of the 'Lampa' festival in Cēsis attracted 27,000 visitors and featured 1,445 speakers across 409 events, focusing on pressing societal issues.
The annual conversation festival 'Lampa' has wrapped up in Cēsis, drawing 27,000 attendees over two days. This year's program included 409 events with 1,445 speakers from Latvia and abroad, organized by over 300 groups across 66 venues.
The central theme was "What must not be talked about?" Discussions spanned security, artificial intelligence's impact, democracy, the upcoming Saeima elections, education, regional life, climate, and culture. Mental health, loneliness, burnout, and oncology were also highlighted. Besides talks, visitors could join health checks, creative workshops, and other hands-on activities.
Traditionally, the festival ended with the "Politicians' Roast," targeting Ēriks Stendzenieks, Dace Melbārde, Jānis Grasbergs, and Harijs Rokpelnis, roasted by comedians Rūdolfs Kugrēns, Jānis Kronis, Anete Konste, and Matīss Budovskis, hosted by Jānis Skutelis.
Festival director Egita Prāma emphasized that the real value lies in the willingness to engage in dialogue and listen to differing opinions—something that cannot be quantified. Since its inception, 'Lampa' has served as a platform for respectful debate, aiming to strengthen democratic culture in Latvia.
