Smiltene Municipality Graduation Schedule: 2025/2026 Key Dates
For residents and families in Smiltene municipality, Latvia, the graduation season—known locally as izlaidums—is one of the most significant events on the social calendar. Marking the culmination of the 2025/2026 academic year, these ceremonies are more than just school assemblies; they are community-wide celebrations characterized by formal attire, elaborate flower bouquets, and public gatherings in local culture centres.
In the Latvian education system, the completion of the 9th grade (Basic Education) and the 12th grade (Secondary Education) are the most pivotal milestones. For international families or those visiting the region, understanding these dates is essential for local travel planning and participation in these deeply rooted cultural traditions.
Primary and Secondary School Milestones
The most anticipated ceremonies for the 9th and 12th grades are scheduled for late May and throughout June. These events typically take place in school halls or local cultural hubs.
| Institution | Grade | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smiltene Secondary School | 12th Grade | 6 June | 14:00 | Dakteru iela 27, Smiltene |
| Smiltene Secondary School | 9th Grade | 30 May | 14:00 | Dakteru iela 27, Smiltene |
| Palsmane Primary School | 9th Grade | 12 June | 17:00 | Palsmane Culture House |
| Grundzāle Primary School | 9th Grade | 13 June | 18:00 | Grundzāle Culture House |
| Rauna Primary School | 9th Grade | 27 June | 17:00 | Rauna Culture Centre |
| Dāvis Ozoliņš Ape Primary | 9th Grade | 4 July | 16:00 | Pasta iela 26, Ape |
Preschool and Early Years Ceremonies
Preschool graduations in Latvia are formal affairs where young children transition to primary education. Most ceremonies in the Smiltene region occur in late May.
- Smiltene PII “Pīlādzītis”: Groups “Rūķi”, “Vāverēni”, and “Ezēni” will hold ceremonies between 19 May and 21 May at Rīgas iela 8a.
- Grundzāle Primary (Mārītes): 22 May at 16:00, held at the outdoor stage or Culture House.
- Rauna Primary (Launkalne site): 28 May at 16:00 at Līvu iela 5.
- Ape PII “Vāverīte”: 29 May at 13:00 at the PII hall, Pasta iela 25.
Vocational and Professional Education
Smiltene is also a hub for specialized vocational and arts education. These ceremonies often feature performances or exhibitions by the graduating class.
- Smiltene Music School: 29 May at 17:00 at the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre.
- Smiltene Art School: 5 June at 19:00 at the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre.
- Smiltene Sports School: 5 June at 19:00 at the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre.
- Smiltene Technical School: 20 June at 12:00 and 17:00 at Kalnamuiža 10.
Families are encouraged to coordinate with individual institutions regarding specific guest limits and parking arrangements, as these events often draw large crowds from across the municipality.
Original reporting by: smiltene
Source: Smiltenes novada pašvaldība
