How Riga joined the "World Hat Walk 2026"

Sometimes big events start completely unexpectedly.

For several years, friends sent me videos of hat walks from different cities around the world — London, Berlin, other countries. I looked at these beautiful frames and thought, "How wonderful..."

But back then, it seemed to me that it was somewhere far away and completely unrelated to me.

Although the theme of headwear had long since become part of my life. Through hats, images, and accessories, I observed how people's states change, how they become bolder, brighter, and freer in self-expression.

Later, my game "It's All About the Hat" emerged — a format where people reveal themselves, meet, and begin to feel differently through images, hats, and atmosphere.

And one day everything came together in one point.

I saw a post by a designer who participated in the World Hat Walk, and I wrote her a comment wishing her good luck. In response, she asked, "Why won't Riga join?"

And I thought, "Well, why not?"

I thought we would just gather a small group — 10–15 people, nicely stroll through Old Riga in hats and support the international movement.

But the idea began to live its own life.

People started writing, sharing posts, supporting the idea. And later, with the help of artificial intelligence, I was able to contact the organizers of the World Hat Walk, send an application, and present Riga as an official participant city.
And Riga was officially accepted into the World Hat Walk 2026.

For me, it was a very emotional moment.

On the day of the walk, people began to arrive early. Some came alone, some with friends, families, children. Some in luxurious hats, some in small neat headgear, and some created a look specifically for this day.

As a result, many more people showed up for the walk than I could have imagined!!!

And most importantly — it was not just a walk.

It was a real live celebration of beauty, creativity, and human warmth.

When bright people in beautiful looks walk through the streets of Riga — the city changes. People smile at each other, take photos, get to know each other, rejoice.

And I realized how much people today lack such events: simple, alive, and beautiful.

The World Hat Walk Riga became for me not just an event. It became a confirmation that even a small idea can unite a huge number of people.

And it seems this is just the beginning ;-)