Lifestyle

Would you choose to take a 22-hour non-stop flight?
Australian airline Qantas announced a direct flight from Sydney to London starting October 2027, lasting up to 22 hours and costing about 20% more than a flight with a layover.
BBC World · 19 Jun, 22:21

Review: 'Ron' – a comedian's breakdown turns into a Tarantino-esque odyssey
Ted Walliker's new play 'Ron' starts as a stand-up set but quickly descends into a violent and absurd story. The critic notes a lack of depth and a failure to hold the audience's attention.
The Guardian Culture · 19 Jun, 22:20

U.S. to End HIV Prevention and Treatment Funding for South Africa
The U.S. State Department announced it will phase out support for HIV prevention and treatment in South Africa.
The New York Times · 19 Jun, 22:20

Kaucminde Manor: Slow Revival Without State Support
The dilapidated Kaucminde Manor in Mārupe municipality is undergoing gradual restoration – first windows have been installed, columns and portico are being repaired. Owner Aiva Dreimane-Ozolzīle is determined, but the state has yet to create support mechanisms for such heritage sites.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 22:20

Kistefos Sculpture Park in Norway Commissions Work from Latvian Artist Duo “Skuja Braden”
The Kistefos Contemporary Art Sculpture Park in Norway, one of the largest in Northern Europe, has for the first time commissioned a work from the Latvian artist duo “Skuja Braden” this year.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 21:22

Linstow Art Award 2026 Winners Announced: Dzelde Mierkalne, Mika Solomon, and Oto Holgers Ozoliņš
An international jury has selected three winners from 36 submissions by master's graduates of the Latvian Academy of Arts for the Linstow Art Award 2026: Dzelde Mierkalne, Mika Solomon, and Oto Holgers Ozoliņš.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 20:20
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“Rīgas Modes” Releases New Single and Video Ahead of Third Album
The contemporary indie-pop band “Rīgas Modes” has released the single “Vai tu tici horoskopiem?” as the final preview before their upcoming album “Mīla un ziedošanās”, expected in late summer or early autumn.
TVNET · 19 Jun, 19:21

Gundega Palma to Retain Position on Board of New Riga Theatre
The Ministry of Culture has announced that Gundega Palma will continue to serve on the board of the New Riga Theatre.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 19:20

Three Young Artists Win Linstow Art Award
Three graduates of the Latvian Academy of Arts receive €3,000 each, a free studio space, and an exhibition opportunity.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jun, 18:21

Dailes Theatre Staff Choose 'Pirmavots' as Best Production of the Season
In a survey of nearly 200 employees, Dailes Theatre has named Viesturs Kairišs' production 'Pirmavots' as the best of the 2025/2026 season, with Madara Viļčuka and Mārtiņš Meiers awarded best actress and actor respectively.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jun, 18:20

Gundega Palma to Continue as Board Member of the New Riga Theatre
The Ministry of Culture has announced that Gundega Palma will continue serving as a board member of the New Riga Theatre.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 18:20

Study: Even 'Healthy' Eaters May Miss Heart-Protecting Flavanols
A large international study finds that over 80% of people do not consume enough flavanols—compounds linked to lower heart disease risk—even if they eat the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
ScienceDaily Veselība · 19 Jun, 17:22

Duke of Courland Ernst Johann Biron dies at 85
Duke of Courland Ernst Johann Biron passed away at the age of 85 on the night of June 19, according to representatives of Rundāle Palace.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 17:20

Peony Exhibition 'Peonies 2026' Opens at the Latvian National Museum of Nature
The Latvian National Museum of Nature has opened the 'Peonies 2026' exhibition, bringing together growers and enthusiasts from across Latvia. Rainy weather favored the peonies, so the best specimens from Kurzeme, Vidzeme, and Latgale are on display.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 17:20
The 'Unlucky Mummy' at the British Museum: A Cursed Plank?
On display at the British Museum is a decorated wooden mummy-board known as the 'Unlucky Mummy,' linked to a series of misfortunes including the sinking of the Titanic.
Atlas Obscura · 19 Jun, 16:20

International New Theatre Festival Homo Novus Urges Slowing Down
Taking place from September 4 to 12, this year's festival is centered on rest and deliberately slowing life's pace, with events along the Daugava River from Krāslava to Rīga, including a sand dune and museum.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 16:20

St Kilda pier wins peak Victorian architecture award
The reimagined St Kilda pier has taken home the Victorian architecture medal and multiple other awards for its playful and deeply civic design.
The Guardian World · 19 Jun, 15:22

XX Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival “Gaudeamus” Approaches
From June 19 to 21, the 20th Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival “Gaudeamus” will take place, featuring seven concerts and a participant procession.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 15:20

Latvian artists perform abroad: opera singer Yulia Vasilyeva not afraid of bombings
The article highlights Latvian artists presenting their work to audiences in Israel, Italy, Lithuania, and Vietnam, including opera singer Yulia Vasilyeva who performs despite war risks.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 15:20

Anya Taylor-Joy joins 'The Hunt for Gollum' as an elf assassin
Actress Anya Taylor-Joy will play the elf Seren in the upcoming film 'The Hunt for Gollum,' directed by Andy Serkis. The movie covers Aragorn's quest to track Gollum, with Ian McKellen and Lee Pace returning to their roles.
The Guardian Culture · 19 Jun, 14:21

Jāņi Festival on filmas.lv: Ten films with music by anniversary composers
The National Film Centre's portal filmas.lv will host its traditional online Jāņi Festival from June 19 to June 28, featuring a free selection of ten films whose music was composed by Latvian composers celebrating round anniversaries in 2026.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 14:20

Mzukisi Mbane: Creator of a Modern African Brand Rooted in Heritage and Futurism
Mzukisi Mbane, founder of Imprint South Africa, originally studied accounting but built a globally recognized label that blends African heritage with futurism.
France 24 · 19 Jun, 13:21

Wreath weaving, herb gathering, and folk songs: Summer solstice celebrated all day in Turaida
On June 21, Turaida will host summer solstice celebrations featuring wreath weaving, cheese making, kokle music, and other traditions from sunrise to sunset.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 13:20

Traditional Herbal Market Opens in Dome Square with Over 260 Vendors
In Riga, Dome Square hosted the traditional Herbal Market on June 19, featuring over 260 vendors. Visitors can buy Midsummer herbs, cheese, beer, and gifts for the celebrations.
LSM · 19 Jun, 13:20

Special premiere on Latvian Public Media on Jāņi evening with Pauls' music and Peters' poetry
On the eve of Jāņi, Latvian Public Media will premiere a new literary-musical performance featuring melodies by Raimonds Pauls and lyrics by Jānis Peters.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 12:20

Midsummer Mood: Concert Selection and Dances Across Latvia
As Jāņi approaches, celebrations will take place in many Latvian locations, including special events in Auri, Ābeļu parish, Taurene, as well as the Vecpiebalga Līgo Festival and Lielkrūzes in Jaunpiebalga.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 11:20

London Clinic Treats Cancer Patients by Gassing Them With Bleach in Plastic Bags
A London clinic run by a former ice cream maker is using a dangerous method: sealing patients in plastic bags and exposing them to chlorine dioxide gas. Health authorities warn there is no scientific evidence for this treatment and it poses serious risks.
Wired · 19 Jun, 10:21

Cinema embraces conspiracy theories: a new wave of paranoia
Recent films like Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day' and Lanthimos's 'Bugonia' revive the paranoid thriller genre, reflecting widespread public distrust and the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories.
The Guardian Culture · 19 Jun, 10:21

Festival “Dinaburga 1812” to Revive History at Daugavpils Fortress
On July 11, the 9th International Historical Reenactment Festival “Dinaburga 1812” will take place at Daugavpils Fortress, featuring over 120 reenactors from five countries depicting early 19th-century battles and daily life. The event includes a wide program with military camps, tours, dances, and concerts.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jun, 10:21

How to Give New Flavors and Colors to Jāņu Siers Without Big Expenses
Rimi chef Normunds Baranovskis shares tips on modernizing the traditional Latvian Midsummer cheese using everyday ingredients and natural colorings.
BNN · 19 Jun, 10:20

Gaudeamus: The Power of Unity and the Spirit of Youth
Dagmara Barbale, artistic director of the dance program of the 20th Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival Gaudeamus, invites participants to feel the power of unity.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 10:20
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Joost Klein Energizes Sold-Out Palladium with Dynamic Show
Dutch artist Joost Klein performed an energetic show at the sold-out Palladium on Thursday.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jun, 08:21

The Beast of Gévaudan: Legendary predator hunted down on this day in 1767
On June 19, 1767, the infamous Beast of Gévaudan was killed in France, after terrorizing the region for three years and, according to some sources, claiming 89 lives, mostly children.
LSM · 19 Jun, 08:20

Edinburgh Festival 2026: Highlights of Dance and Circus Programme
The Edinburgh Festival 2026 will feature a rich dance and circus programme, including European premieres and works by acclaimed artists, running throughout August.
The Guardian Culture · 19 Jun, 07:23

Interior Designer: Lie Down in the Bathtub Before Buying It
Interior designer Uģis Pīrs shares advice on bathroom design, emphasizing ergonomics and personal preferences when choosing fixtures.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jun, 07:20

Gaudeamus 2026: The Power of Togetherness
Dance program artistic director Dagmāra Bārbale invites participants to feel the power of togetherness at the Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival Gaudeamus.
LSM Kultūra · 19 Jun, 07:20