On July 17, during the Cēsu city festival, JSC “Cēsu alus” in cooperation with “Cēsu local government” presented the annual award “Cēsnieks” in a solemn ceremony. This year, the honorable title “Cēsnieks 2026” was awarded to two personalities – Jānis Jansons, leader of the brass band, and in honor of his lifetime contribution, the “Cēsnieks” award was also presented to Ivars Zemītis, who was a long-time director and teacher of Cēsu State Gymnasium.
Jānis Jansons is the leader of the brass band of the Cēsu 1st elementary school and a saxophone teacher at the Alfred Kalniņa Cēsu Music High School. With his passion, professionalism and ability to inspire young people, he has become a teacher who passes the love of music on to future generations. The orchestra led by Jānis is an integral part of the cultural life of Cēsu – it delights the audience both during city holidays and special events, creating unforgettable musical moments for every listener.
Ivars Zemītis has devoted almost 70 years to the school, where many generations of Česi residents received secondary education. It is Cēsu State Gymnasium, whose names have changed from time to time, but the values have remained the same – to give young people the best possible foundation for further studies and professional life. He started working at the school in 1959 as a teacher, but from 1984 to 2002 he was the school director. This year, Ivars Zemītis celebrated his 90th anniversary.
Agita Kārkliņa, communication manager of JSC “Cēsu alus”: “The award “Cēsnieks” is a sign of respect for people who, with their work, enthusiasm and initiative, enrich the life of Cēsu city and contribute to its development. One of the brightest events of the past year was the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival, where Jānis Jansons vividly demonstrated his professionalism and inspiring work. Jānis inspires young people with his enthusiasm musicians and enriches the cultural life of Cēsu. On the other hand, the jury decided to present the second award to Ivars Zemītis, honoring his long-term work and contribution to the promotion of education.”
From July 6 to 14, every Cēsnieks and resident of Latvia had the opportunity to vote for the candidates nominated by the commission and determine the winner of the title “Cēsnieks 2026” on the voting website www.cesnieks.lv.
“Cēsnieks” is an award established by “Cēsu alus” brewery with the aim of honoring persons who have performed their work excellently and from the heart, and whose performance has positively affected the reputation of the city of Cēsu. Since 1999, this honorable title has been awarded to 27 personalities, among whom were representatives of culture, science, business, education, history, sports and social spheres.
