On 31 October 2026, a special event took place in Ludza, bringing together art, the local community, and people who have returned to Latgale from abroad. A large-scale mural entitled “I Am Returning to Latgale” was officially unveiled, symbolising the return to one's homeland, a sense of belonging, and a strong connection to Latgale. Following the unveiling ceremony, the fourth networking event for Latgale's returnees was held at the Ludza Local History Museum.
There is a saying that art does not exist only in museums and galleries – it lives among us, speaks to us in our everyday lives, and changes the way we see our city. On Saturday, residents, visitors, artists, municipal representatives, and returnees gathered at 1 Kuļņeva Street in Ludza to witness the unveiling of the large-scale mural “I Am Returning to Latgale”. The mural was created as part of the Latgale Planning Region's Remigration Programme in cooperation with Ludza Municipality.
Created by Latgale artists Edgars Largo, Viktorija Valujeva, and Mihails Lušins, the artwork is not only a new visual landmark in Ludza's urban environment but also a symbolic message about roots, the feeling of home, and the deep connection each of us has with our homeland. It tells a story of returning – whether physically or emotionally – to the place where our hearts belong.
The mural was officially unveiled by Iveta Maļina-Tabūne, Head of Administration of the Latgale Planning Region and Chief Executive Officer of the Latgale Special Economic Zone, and Edgars Mekšs, Chairman of Ludza Municipality Council. Together with one of the mural's creators, Edgars Largo, and Ilona Mekša, Head of the Development and Planning Department of Ludza Municipality, they symbolically cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
During the opening speeches, the successful cooperation between the Latgale Planning Region, Ludza Municipality, and the artists was highlighted. This collaboration made it possible to realise a long-cherished idea of creating a public artwork at 1 Kuļņeva Street in Ludza. Both the Head of Administration of the Latgale Planning Region and the Chairman of Ludza Municipality Council expressed their satisfaction with the joint achievement and the results of their cooperation, which have enriched Ludza's urban environment with a new and symbolically significant work of art.
A particularly festive atmosphere was created by “Cielaviņa”, the pop group of the Ludza Children and Youth Centre, led by Lolita Greitāne. The young singers' musical performance made the event even more colourful and heartfelt, highlighting Latgale's rich cultural traditions and the power of music to unite different generations.
Networking for Returnees – An Opportunity to Strengthen Their Sense of Belonging to Latgale
Following the mural unveiling ceremony, participants proceeded to the Ludza Local History Museum, where the networking event for returnees, organised by the Latgale Planning Region and Ludza Municipality, continued.
The aim of the gathering was to encourage mutual support, strengthen returnees' sense of belonging to Latgale, and provide opportunities to establish new connections among people who have chosen to return to their homeland after living abroad.
As part of the event, participants had the opportunity to explore the history of Latvia's oldest town through a guided tour of the exhibitions at the Ludza Local History Museum. Families with children were offered an educational activity entitled “Diversity of Bird Species in Latvia”, allowing younger participants to expand their knowledge of Latvian nature in an engaging and interactive way.
An equally important part of the event was the informal networking over coffee and tea. In a friendly atmosphere, participants shared their personal stories of returning home, experiences of rebuilding their lives in Latvia, and discussed everyday challenges and opportunities in Latgale while establishing new contacts.
Returning to one's homeland often involves much more than simply changing one's place of residence. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in life – searching for employment opportunities, helping children integrate into the education system, and building new social connections.
Such gatherings are therefore essential in helping returnees feel supported by their community, meet like-minded people, and recognise that their experience and knowledge represent a valuable contribution to Latgale's development.
Latgale – A Place to Return To
The unveiling of the large-scale mural “I Am Returning to Latgale” and the networking event for returnees symbolically complemented one another, demonstrating that a sense of belonging is shaped not only by the landscapes and cultural heritage of one's homeland but, above all, by people, their stories, and the relationships they build.
The new artwork in Ludza's urban environment will serve as a lasting reminder to both local residents and visitors that Latgale is a place where connections to one's roots remain strong and where people can return to build their future.
The Latgale Planning Region extends its sincere gratitude to Ludza Municipality, the creators of the mural, the Ludza Children and Youth Centre's pop group “Cielaviņa” and its leader Lolita Greitāne, the Ludza Local History Museum, as well as all participants and cooperation partners for their valuable contributions to making this event possible.
Latgale is a place to return to, reconnect with your community, and create new stories!
The event was organised as part of the Latgale Planning Region's Remigration Programme in cooperation with Ludza Municipality and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (VARAM).
Translated by AI
