News

Continuing the tradition of the city of Jelgava, we will celebrate the special moments of New Year’s Eve together! On 31 December at 11:00 PM, residents of Jelgava and visitors to the city are invited to Duke Jacob’s Square to see out 2025 and welcome 2026 in a musical atmosphere. As always, this will happen twice in Jelgava – at midnight together with all of Latvia, and then according to Jelgava time, 25 minutes later.

“Together with all of Latvia, we will welcome 2026 at midnight, after which a countdown will begin until 12:25 AM, when the New Year officially begins in Jelgava as well. As the Earth rotates on its axis, it makes one full rotation every 24 hours, crossing various meridians along the way. Eight meridians cross Latvia, which means that local time in different parts of the country differs from the accepted mean time. In Jelgava, the meridian passes through the tower of the Holy Trinity Church, and the New Year begins 25 minutes after midnight,” explains Ivars Pirvics, Deputy Head of the municipal institution “Culture”.

We will welcome the New Year at Duke Jacob’s Square, where a special atmosphere is created by the large city Christmas tree, a large-scale palace decoration, and the square adorned with bright light garlands. This place symbolically brings together the breath of history and the rhythm of a modern city, gathering Jelgava residents each year for the lighting of the main Christmas tree on the First Advent, affirming their sense of belonging to the city during the traditional Jelgava City Festival parade, celebrating the Milk, Bread and Honey Festival, and enjoying the bustle of fairs. Residents are also invited to create a new tradition with vivid festive moments at the turn of the year.

Energetic music throughout the evening will be provided by the band “Jacks with Coke” – Mārtiņš Taranda (vocals, guitar), Andis Edžus Rappa (keyboards), Ainis Rudzītis (lead guitar, backing vocals), Kaspars Orehovs (bass), and Rinalds Jukna (percussion). The band promises the greatest world and Latvian music hits, adding their own touch and fresh sound. Meanwhile, a video will be shown on a large screen, allowing viewers to remember and virtually return to the most significant events of 2025 in Jelgava. Shortly before midnight, New Year’s greetings from the country’s highest officials and the city leadership will also be broadcast.

Important: For safety reasons, organizers remind visitors that bringing in and using pyrotechnics within the event area is not permitted.

Please note that a mobile café will be operating at the event.

It should also be taken into account that during the celebrations – from 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM – traffic restrictions are planned. Vehicle traffic will be closed on Lielā Street between Pasta Street and Uzvaras Street, as well as on Krišjānis Barons Street between Uzvaras Street and Pasta Street.