at the beginning of December is the birthday of the great Krišjānis Valdemārs. This year he is 199, but with that the road to his bicentenary begins.Believing that krišjānis Valdemārs is a source of endless inspiration adn love for Latvia,powerful,refreshing and vitally needed for today’s Latvia,several enthusiasts have already created the “Valdemārs” fund. Several important events are planned throughout latvia until the bicentennial, but Valdemārpils will be a special place.
The first – it is with this word that the great spirit Krišjānis Valdemārs can often be described. The founder of the first Latvian maritime school, the first Latvian library, the founder of the secular choir, the first organizer and leader of the Young Latvian movement, the first to encourage the collection of folklore. He is also the first person from Talsi district at Terbata University who was not afraid to call himself a Latvian. As one of the founders of the ”Valdemārs” foundation, Jānis Dambītis, says: “ Krišjānis Valdemārs is an endless source of inspiration and love for Latvia, powerful, refreshing and vitally needed for today’s latvia.”
On the evening of Monday, December 2, an event dedicated to his birthday “Lights up the path of dreams” was held in Valdemārpilis.It started with a path of local lit candles from the high school all the way to Priežkalnin, which symbolically connected the basic values of Valdemar’s life – education, creativity, cultural heritage, values of family traditions and being a Latvian.
On the way to the bicentenary of the great spirit, the foundation founded in his name calls for “Vairot Valdemār”. In a way, the number of interested people in Valdemārs is also increasing – this year the church is much fuller during the holy season. And it seemed like such a special moment when the choir started singing “Not lazing and puffing” in the church, the gathered people immediately stood up, thus showing how important this song is.
Preparations for the bicentennial have united several museums, which is not such a frequent event - the Riga History and Shipping Museum, the Talsi County Museum, the Rojas Sea Fishing Museum have joined the idea… Head of TIC, one of the founders of the ”Valdemārs” foundation, Karīna Leinberga–Lemberga. “The bicentennial, in my opinion, is a very good starting point for us to talk about him more and more. Despite the fact that there will be events all over Latvia, those heartbeats should be here in Valdemārpils.»
But how to breed Valdemara? Liene Johansone-Kuzmina, director of the Riga History and Shipping Museum, recommends getting acquainted with his biography.”You don’t even need to go very deep, but at least the facts that are generally known, but forgotten. I invite you to think how powerful and history-changing one person can be! A truly inspiring personality. And then think about your perspective – maybe you don’t always need to establish the first library or the first maritime school, but we can definitely do something in our immediate surroundings to make Latvia better.” The museum has promised itself and everyone else to organize three important events: an open-air event will be held in the Ainaži Maritime School Museum in the summer, an international scientific conference will follow it in the fall, and an exhibition will be opened at the end of the year.
But next year, not onyl 200 for valdemārs, but 10 for the Imantas Ziedoņas Foundation. they call themselves Kekadins, and in September they will invite those interested to walk together from Roja to Årlava Church and Valdemārpilij. Sing! “It seems to me very symbolic to look at the sea in Roja, as Valdemārs looked at it – as a place of such opportunities,” says Žanete grende, one of the founders of the “Valdemārs” foundation. ”And, in my opinion, Valdemārpils will be a revelation for many, because it is currently starting to wake up.”
Photo author: Dainis Kärkluvalks.
The material was created with the funding of the Media support Fund from the funds of the Latvian state budget. SIA “TV9 pakalni” is responsible for the content.
What were Krišjānis Valdemārs’s most notable contributions to Latvian culture?
Time.news Interview: Honoring krišjānis Valdemārs
Interviewer: (Time.news Editor)
Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a celebration of an extraordinary Latvian figure, krišjānis Valdemārs, who would have turned 199 this December. Joining us is Jānis Dambītis,one of the founders of the ”Valdemārs” foundation,which is spearheading efforts to honor his legacy as we approach his bicentennial. Thank you for being here,Jānis!
Jānis Dambītis: (Valdemārs Foundation Founder)
Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such an significant figure in Latvia’s history.
Interviewer:
Let’s start with a brief overview of Krišjānis Valdemārs. What made him such a pivotal figure in Latvia?
Jānis:
Valdemārs was a groundbreaking individual, frequently enough referred to as the ‘first’ in so many realms. He founded the first Latvian maritime school and library, established the secular choir, and was a driving force behind the Young latvian movement. His initiatives were critical in shaping Latvian culture and identity during a time of aspiration for national self-awareness.
Interviewer:
That’s remarkable.His contributions are numerous! What drives the current celebrations and the creation of the “Valdemārs” foundation?
Jānis:
As we approach the bicentennial, we want to shine a light on his enduring influence—he offers an endless source of inspiration and love for Latvia. The foundation aims to remind the people of Latvia about his powerful legacy, which is refreshing and vital, especially in today’s context.
Interviewer:
And it truly seems there are several events planned throughout Latvia?
Jānis:
Absolutely! We’re planning various cultural and educational events to engage the public—from exhibitions featuring his works to lectures discussing his impact. Valdemārpils,named after him,will serve as a focal point for thes celebrations,showcasing his connection to the community.
Interviewer:
It sounds like these events will reach a wide audience. In what ways can Valdemārs’s ideology resonate with today’s youth?
Jānis:
Valdemārs’s emphasis on national pride, cultural education, and community engagement is incredibly relevant today. His courage in expressing his identity at Terbata University,where he was the first from Talsi to openly identify as a Latvian,sets a powerful example for young people to embrace thier heritage while also advocating for positive change in society.
Interviewer:
What do you believe is the most essential lesson that young Latvians can learn from Valdemārs’s legacy?
Jānis:
The most crucial lesson is the importance of conviction. Valdemārs not only dreamt of a vibrant latvian culture but also took tangible steps to ensure its realization. His life encourages us to be proactive in shaping our own destinies—encouraging youth to be bold in their aspirations and to cultivate a love for their cultural roots.
Interviewer:
What are your hopes for the future as we approach Valdemārs’s bicentennial?
Jānis:
I hope we can reinvigorate a sense of pride and civic duty among Latvians. This bicentennial shoudl serve not just as a commemoration of a man but as a catalyst for cultural revival and strengthening the bonds of community, much like Valdemārs envisioned.
Interviewer:
Thank you, Jānis, for sharing these insights. It seems Krišjānis Valdemārs’s spirit is alive and well, inspiring a new generation to appreciate their heritage while forging ahead.
Jānis:
Thank you! It’s a privilege to honor his memory and inspire the future.
Interviewer:
and thank you to our audience for tuning in to this special feature on Krišjānis Valdemārs. stay connected for more updates as we follow along with the upcoming celebrations throughout Latvia!