Summer is traditionally one of the busiest periods for engaging with the Latvian diaspora. Camps, gatherings and other events take place both in Latvia and abroad, bringing together Latvians of different generations from around the world. In the summer of 2026, Vidzeme Planning Region’s Remigration Coordinator, Inga Madžule, took part in several such events, meeting diaspora families, children and young people, listening to their experiences and sharing information about opportunities to live, work and return to Vidzeme.
Latvian Diaspora Festival “Bērzes Strazdi” in the United Kingdom
From 19 to 21 June, the Latvian diaspora festival “Bērzes Strazdi” took place in the United Kingdom, with Inga Madžule participating for the third consecutive year. The festival attracts hundreds of Latvians every year, and once again the “Latvian House” was a particularly lively meeting point, where members of the diaspora could meet representatives of Latvian institutions and organisations.
Over the course of three days, the VPR Remigration Coordinator provided individual consultations to Latvians living abroad about opportunities to return to Latvia and build a life in Vidzeme. The conversations most frequently focused on employment and housing opportunities, children’s education, access to healthcare, social security, entrepreneurship and the recognition of professional qualifications obtained abroad.
Interest was high, with consultations and conversations lasting more than eight hours a day during the festival. One particularly meaningful encounter was with a woman who, at the previous year’s festival, had only been considering moving to Latvia. This summer, she shared that she had already been living in Latvia for six months and was very positive about her decision. Stories like this demonstrate that sometimes a personal conversation, practical information and the knowledge that there is someone to turn to can help a person take the next step on their journey home.
3×3 World Latvian Family Gathering in Bebrene
During the summer, Inga Madžule also visited the 3×3 World Latvian Family Gathering in Bebrene. For decades, the gathering has brought together Latvians of different generations from Latvia and abroad to celebrate their language and traditions and strengthen their sense of belonging to Latvia.
Throughout the week, participants took part in a variety of activities – learning traditional skills, making music, playing sports, exploring nature and joining discussions on topics important to Latvia and Latvian identity. The Remigration Coordinator met diaspora families, answered questions about returning to Latvia and shared information about opportunities to build a life in Vidzeme.
Gatherings like these are particularly valuable because of their informal atmosphere. Conversations about a possible return to Latvia often arise naturally when discussing family, children, work, home and plans for the future.
3×3 Gathering in Strenči – From a Consultation to a Successful Return Story
Another important meeting place this summer was the 3×3 World Latvian Family Gathering in Strenči. This time, Inga Madžule was also part of the gathering’s programme, participating in a session dedicated to the diaspora and remigration and meeting Latvians living abroad throughout the week.
A particularly rewarding moment was meeting a returnee whom the coordinator had previously supported during the process of returning to Latvia. Their reunion and the story of successfully starting a new life in Latvia served as a reminder that the work of a remigration coordinator does not end with sending information or providing a single consultation – the support offered can become an important part of a person’s journey back to Latvia.
At the same time, the gathering provided an opportunity to speak with people who are only beginning to consider returning, as well as those who currently see their future abroad.
Summer School for Diaspora Educators in Lilaste
During the summer, the Latvian Language Agency organised a summer school for diaspora educators in Lilaste, bringing together 50 diaspora teachers from countries around the world for three days.
Diaspora teachers play a particularly important role in maintaining ties with Latvia. In many places, active Latvian communities develop around diaspora schools, while for children these schools provide an opportunity to maintain their Latvian language skills, learn about Latvian culture and develop a sense of belonging.
The summer school programme included lectures on education and the vitality of the Latvian language in the diaspora, critical thinking and resilience in the face of disinformation, as well as practical sessions, working groups and exchanges of experience. Participants also learned about the latest teaching approaches for working with diaspora children and young people.
Diaspora Youth Camp “Journey Through the Regions of Latvia”
The diaspora youth camp “Journey Through the Regions of Latvia”, organised by r.a. “Siltumnīca”, also took place during the summer. Over the course of a week, young people from different countries explored Latvia not only through stories and presentations, but primarily through their own experiences – travelling, taking part in activities together, discovering traditions and forming new friendships.
The camp programme was designed as a symbolic journey through Latvia’s regions. Each day, the young people explored the history, linguistic characteristics, culture and traditions of a different region. On the day dedicated to Kurzeme, participants built rafts and made dreamcatchers. On the Zemgale day, they tested their skills in team competitions, while the Vidzeme day included visits to Kalsnava Arboretum, Cesvaine Palace and the Song Festival School. On the Latgale day, the young people explored folklore, dances and songs together with the folklore group “Speiga”.
However, the value of the camp extended far beyond learning about Latvia. Shared activities, creative and sporting challenges, evening games and conversations helped the young people get to know one another and form friendships with peers who, despite living in different countries around the world, share a connection with Latvia. At the end of the camp, the young people themselves took responsibility for organising activities for the other participants, demonstrating both what they had learned during the week and their ability to cooperate and take initiative.
For diaspora children and young people, camps like these are particularly important because they allow them to experience Latvia in a personal and meaningful way. Latvian is spoken in everyday conversations, Latvian culture and traditions are not merely studied but experienced, and the time spent together creates memories and friendships that continue even after participants return to their countries of residence.
3×3 Gathering at Bērzaine in Germany
From 2 to 9 August, a 3×3 gathering took place at the Latvian Centre “Bērzaine” in Freiburg, Germany, bringing together Latvians of different generations. Throughout the week, participants took part in creative workshops, family programmes, discussions and shared evening events, celebrating Latvian traditions and strengthening their sense of community.
Inga Madžule also participated in the gathering. This time, particular emphasis was placed not only on discussions about how to return to Latvia, but also on why people originally left Latvia and why some choose to continue living abroad.
Not every conversation about Latvia needs to end with a decision to move back. The value of attending diaspora events also lies in the opportunity to listen to people’s experiences, doubts and needs, and to demonstrate that their connection with Latvia remains regardless of where they currently live.
“For remigration support to be meaningful, we need to be where the people are – we need to talk, but even more importantly, we need to listen. It is important to understand not only what might encourage people to return, but also why they left in the first place and why they currently choose to live elsewhere. These conversations help us develop support based on people’s real experiences and needs,” emphasises Inga Madžule.
“Olympic Quantum 2026” – Latvia as a Place to Always Return To
In mid-August, Vidzeme welcomed participants of the diaspora youth personal development camp “Olympic Quantum 2026”. The camp was held for the sixth time, bringing together young members of the Latvian diaspora from different countries around the world.
During the week, the young people took part in sports, improved their Latvian language skills, explored Latvian culture, met local people and formed new friendships. On 14 August, their journey brought them to Cēsis, where they were also welcomed by the Vidzeme Planning Region Remigration Coordinator.
The visit provided an opportunity to introduce the young people to Vidzeme and Cēsis, including the city’s history and cultural heritage, while allowing them to experience Latvia as a modern and vibrant place. The connection with Latvia developed through camps like this can remain significant many years later – when choosing where to study, work or build a life.
Being Where the Diaspora Is
By attending diaspora camps, festivals and gatherings in Latvia and abroad, it is possible to reach people who might not yet seek assistance from a remigration coordinator themselves. For some, it is an opportunity to find answers to specific questions about relocating. For others, it may be the first time they say aloud that the idea of returning to Latvia has never disappeared. And for someone else, it may simply be important to know that there is a person in Latvia they can turn to if returning ever becomes a serious consideration.
At the same time, these conversations provide valuable feedback for remigration coordinators themselves, helping them better understand the obstacles potential returnees face and improve the support available in line with people’s actual needs.
The Vidzeme Planning Region Remigration Coordinator continues to provide individual consultations to people and families considering returning to Latvia, helping them navigate issues related to employment, housing, education, entrepreneurship and other practical steps on the path towards building a life in Vidzeme.