On 2 November 2025, within the framework of the project “STRONG TOGETHER-4. СИЛЬНІ РАЗОМ-4” (ID No. 2025.LV/UKR_KO/018/L28), an educational and culturally enriching excursion took place to locations closely connected with the life and creative work of two outstanding Latvian literary figures – Rainis and Aspazija.
Participants of the event included Ukrainian civilians and members of the host community. The excursion group travelled to Riga, where they visited the Rainis and Aspazija House on Baznīcas Street 30. There they were welcomed by the museum director, Zanda Rozenberga, as well as literature scholar and museum educator Jānis Zālītis. They provided insight into the poets’ biographies, the complexities of their relationship, outlined the key aspects of their creative paths, and emphasised their contribution to Latvian culture. Participants had the opportunity to view the historical, authentically preserved living spaces and to experience the atmosphere of the era in which Rainis and Aspazija lived.
Continuing their exploration of Rainis’ and Aspazija’s life paths, the group proceeded to the Aspazija House in Jūrmala, located on Zigfrīds A. Meierovics Boulevard. This is the place where the poet and playwright spent the last ten years of her life. During the excursion, the participants had the unique opportunity to view the exhibition Aspazija. A Strong Woman. A Portrait, dedicated to her 160th birthday, as well as to see the monument Aspazija in the dunes.
At the end of the day, a lecture was given by the poet, philologist, and member of the Poetry Days Council, Ērika Bērziņa, titled The Tradition of Poetry Days Through Time: Non-Traditional Ways of Popularising Poetry and Literature, and the Creative Process. Ērika Bērziņa shared her reflections on the significance of Poetry Days and spoke about the event series A Journey with Poets, which took place in various districts of Riga as part of the Poetry Days programme. The conversation encouraged discussion on contemporary approaches to poetry and literature, highlighting the role of creative self-expression. During the talk, the poet spoke about the beginnings of her creative path and the first impulses of poetry in her childhood, emphasising that she includes personal and empirical experience in her texts, which shapes the authenticity and emotional closeness of her poetry. During the meeting, Ērika Bērziņa read her poems, including unpublished works, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere. The poet invited participants to write a short poem themselves, thus experiencing the creative process in practice.
The aim of the event was to broaden knowledge about Latvia’s cultural heritage, promote intercultural dialogue, and support social inclusion by giving participants the opportunity to engage with the history of Latvian literature and to gain new impressions and insights. The excursion took place in a friendly and creative atmosphere, motivating continued participation in cultural activities.
The event was organised within the project “STRONG TOGETHER – 4. СИЛЬНІ РАЗОМ – 4”, No. 2025.LV/UKR_KO/018/L28.
It is financially supported by the Society Integration Foundation from the allocated state budget funds of the Republic of Latvia.
The Daugavpils University Society for Lifelong Learning, Culture and Science Communication “Park of Intellect” is responsible for the content of the project’s activities.
