On July 28, as part of the Cēsu city festival, JSC “Cēsu alus” and “Cēsu novadas pašvaldība” presented the annual award “Cēsnieks”. This year, the winner of the title “Cēsnieks 2023” is Andis Kozaks, leader of the folk dance ensemble “Raitais solis”.
Andis is a long-time leader of the dance collective “Raitais solis” (young and middle generation), the leader of the youth dance collective “Kande” and the middle generation dance collective “Saulžrijai”. Andis is active, responsive and creative. The collectives led by him have always participated in city festivals and various other city events, Andis himself has choreographed several creative dances. He has been an assistant to the chief conductors of dance performances at the Song and Dance Festival.
Agita Kārkliņa, communication manager of JSC “Cēsu alus”: “It is undeniable that the choice of award candidates this year was influenced by one of the grandest events of this summer – the XXVII General Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival. The excellent performance of the dancers was also appreciated by the residents, who nominated Andi Kozaku as the winner of the honorable “Cēsnieks 2023″ title with their vote. Andis is the leader of several folk dance groups and his inspired and well-trained dancers delight the citizens of Česi at many events. Thank you for Anda’s contribution to the maintenance of folk dance culture!”
“The names of Anda Kozak and the collectives led by him do not require comments from any Cēsis resident. The huge contribution to the development of dance in Cēsis is priceless and the award is, of course, well-deserved,” emphasizes Jānis Rozenbergs, chairman of the Cēsu county council, adding that “this award is also a thank you to all the Cēsu county collectives who participated in this year’s Song and Dance Festival. Thanks also to AS “Cēsu alus” for maintaining and caring for the beautiful tradition of the Cēsis of the Year!”
The candidates nominated for the “Cēsnieks 2023” award were determined by the jury committee, evaluating the most significant events and activities in the life of the city of Cēsu. Among the candidates for the 2023 “Cēsnieks” award were Jānis Gabrāns, journalist of the “Druva” newspaper, Andis Kozaks, leader of the folk dance collective “Raitais solis”, Cēsu Pils choir and Eva Sietiņsone, chairman of the board of JSC “Cēsu alus”.
From July 11 to 23, every citizen of Cēsis and resident of Latvia had the opportunity to vote for the candidates nominated by the commission and determine the winner of the title “Cēsnieks 2023”. Voting took place electronically www.cesnieks.lv, as well as by delivering a coupon from the newspaper “Druva” to the voting points.
“Cēsnieks” is an award established by the joint-stock company “Cēsu alus” with the aim of honoring persons who performed their work excellently and from the heart, and whose performance positively affected the reputation of the city of Cēsu. Since 1999, this honorable title has been awarded to 25 personalities, among whom were representatives of culture, science, business, education, history, sports and social spheres.
