From September 26 to 28, 2025, a heartwarming and inspiring international senior festival, “Discover, Learn, Enjoy!” (Iepazīsti, mācies, baudi!), took place at the recreation complex “Rožmalas,” bringing together participants from Latvia and Lithuania. The goal of the three-day program was to promote healthy ageing, support social inclusion, and strengthen cross-border friendship.
During the event, seniors actively participated in both educational and creative activities. The festival began with the opening of the traveling photo exhibition “Life Wisdom in Portraits and Stories,” followed by a discussion on “The ABC of an Active Lifestyle – Movement is Life” with psychologist Iluta Krūmiņa. The practical sessions, including a pie-baking masterclass and various therapy sessions—dance and movement, music, and visual plastic art therapy—received great interest.
The seniors particularly emphasized the inspiring and community-building role of the event:
- “Health and freedom, to do what the heart desires, is important,” acknowledged one festival participant, reflecting the main message of the festival.
- The festival fostered “The Future of Cross-Border Friendship,” where participants discussed possibilities to continue meeting even after the project ends. “I gained new friendships and we are starting to plan a trip to Rokiškis,” another participant shared, confirming the close contacts established.
- The participants highly valued the therapy sessions. “These three days were a true adventure; so many new people met, new activities, I especially liked the art therapy session.”
- “Oh, how I loved dancing, I never imagined that dance therapy could be so inspiring,” shared a senior after the session.
The festival culminated with the “Power of Stories and Community Building” workshop, where seniors shared their experience stories, and the final day included a joint evaluation of project results and a feedback session.
In conclusion, several participants expressed a shared wish: “The event had only one drawback—it was too short. Next time, a week, please!” This call demonstrates the enormous impact and success of the festival.
The festival is part of an international project and was successfully concluded with joint farewells and an invitation to continue building contacts and sharing experiences.
