Community spirit shines: Jāņukalns open-air stage reopens with Cultural Pearls awarding ceremony in Smiltene

On 1 June, Smiltene experienced a significant event – the first concert at the renovated Jāņukalns open-air stage and the Baltic Sea Region Cultural Pearls of 2025 awarding ceremony.

The event gathered more than 700 children and young people from the Smiltene and Valka regions, along with a large number of local residents.

This cultural event was one of the first major occasions organized after Smiltene was nominated the prestigious title of a Baltic Sea Region Cultural Pearl, granted through the EU’s Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme project celebrating small and medium sized towns and cities that develop great Culture and Resilience action plans to promote civic engagement, and foster community cohesion.

The Cultural Pearls awarding ceremony in Smiltene was attended by both local community members and international guests, including Felix Schartner-Giertta, project coordinator from the Council of the Baltic Sea States Secretariat; Guna Kalniņa-Priede, Head of the Vidzeme Planning Region Administration; and representatives from the Smiltene Municipality and the Cultural Center.

The concert held at the renovated open-air stage was symbolically divided into three parts: “Create”, “Do”, and “Celebrate”. Performers included dance groups and choirs from the Smiltene Children’s and Youth Interest Education Center, as well as groups from Ape, Grundzāle, Gaujiena, Palsmane, Rauna, and guest performers from the Valka region.

The performances showcased not only the talents of the children and youth but also the dedication of their teachers and parents. The stage radiated with children’s smiles, songs, dances, and the joy of being together.

The renovation of Jāņukalns open-air stage – a joint effort and source of pride

Alongside the cultural celebrations, the official opening of the renovated Jāņukalns open-air stage was a major highlight. This venue, which has been an important part of Smiltene’s social and cultural life for many years, has undergone a remarkable revival thanks to broad community involvement and cooperation with the Alūksne and Ape Region Foundation.

The renovation was made possible through private donations and municipal support, as well as generous contributions from local businesses, who provided both materials and their time.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the clean-up efforts, helped with painting, planting, cleaning, and supported the project with advice, presence, and enthusiasm.

This event represents more than just a venue for events – it is a symbol of how culture, community, and heartfelt dedication can create something lasting. The Jāņukalns stage is not only a place where songs are sung — it is a place where new traditions are born and the future of Smiltene is strengthened.

Information prepared by: Zane Ērgle-Mežule, Communication specialist of Smiltene municipality