Summer Solstice Celebrations.
In Latvia, the summer solstice (Jāņi or Līgo) is celebrated with festivities on June 23rd and 24th, with events often taking out of towns and cities, in the countryside.
But also they who don't go out to the countryside, celebrate Summer Solstice
Key aspects of the celebration:
Pagan origins: Jāņi is a traditional pagan festival that predates Christianity, honoring the sun and fertility.
Līgo and Jāņi: June 23rd is known as Līgo, and June 24th is Jāņi Day.
Bonfires: Bonfires are central to the celebrations, with people jumping over them for good luck and to ward off evil.
Wreaths: Floral wreaths are worn by women, and oak wreaths by men.
Folk music and dancing: Latvian folk music and dancing are integral parts of the festivities.
Sauna and caraway cheese: Traditional sauna visits and the eating of caraway cheese are also common practices.
Seeking the fern flower: A mystical element of the celebration involves searching for the mythical fern flower.
Dawn celebration: Staying up all night to greet the sunrise is a key part of the tradition.
I am in Riga, VEF Culture Palace where will be a concert- impromptu solstice celebration...not in the countryside, not outside but on the stage
P.S. it was an excellent togetherness❤️
Summer Solstice Celebrations.
In Latvia, the summer solstice (Jāņi or Līgo) is celebrated with festivities on June 23rd and 24th, with events often taking out of towns and cities, in the countryside.
But also they who don't go out to the countryside, celebrate Summer Solstice
Key aspects of the celebration:
Pagan origins: Jāņi is a traditional pagan festival that predates Christianity, honoring the sun and fertility.
Līgo and Jāņi: June 23rd is known as Līgo, and June 24th is Jāņi Day.
Bonfires: Bonfires are central to the celebrations, with people jumping over them for good luck and to ward off evil.
Wreaths: Floral wreaths are worn by women, and oak wreaths by men.
Folk music and dancing: Latvian folk music and dancing are integral parts of the festivities.
Sauna and caraway cheese: Traditional sauna visits and the eating of caraway cheese are also common practices.
Seeking the fern flower: A mystical element of the celebration involves searching for the mythical fern flower.
Dawn celebration: Staying up all night to greet the sunrise is a key part of the tradition.
I am in Riga, VEF Culture Palace where will be a concert- impromptu solstice celebration...not in the countryside, not outside but on the stage
P.S. it was an excellent togetherness❤️