Starting June 17, a large-scale festive program dedicated to Ligo and Jānis Day will launch in the capital. Over several days, residents and visitors will enjoy concerts, folk festivities, workshops, markets, and traditional rituals taking place both in the center of Riga and in various neighborhoods.
The festive marathon will kick off on June 17. A ceremony to light the festive fire will take place at the cultural space Strops near the library in Čiekurkalns, featuring the folk ensemble Delve. Guests will also be invited to workshops on wreath weaving. On the same day, a festive program will take place in Pļavnieki, where Lauma Matule and the folk ensembles Kokle and Tarkšķi will perform.
On June 18, festive events will unfold in several districts of the capital — in Kengarags, Ziepniekkalns, at the Town Hall Square, near the Small Guild, and in the Ziemeļblāzma cultural palace park. Visitors can expect performances by folk ensembles, kokle concerts, folk dances, wreath-making workshops, and introductions to cheese-making traditions and Latvian ornaments.
One of the central events of the day will be the traditional summer solstice concert Vidusvasaras dzīvestības at the Town Hall Square. Dance groups from the Mazā ģilde cultural center will participate.
On June 19, a festive market will open at Dome Square. Throughout the day, handmade crafts, fragrant herbs, and seasonal products will be available for purchase. In the evening, festive activities will continue near the Small Guild and at the Imanta cultural center.
Additionally, on June 18 and 19, everyone is invited to the Riga Porcelain Museum, where free creative workshops Saulgrieži will take place. Pre-registration is required to participate.
On June 20, the program will become even more eventful. A concert Saulstāvji will be held at the Ave Sol concert hall, and the celebration at the Strops cultural space in Strazdumuiža Park will feature the famous ensemble Suitu sievas. Guests can also look forward to a performance by accordionist Karolina Vancane, wreath-weaving workshops, and traditional evening gatherings by the bonfire.
The main event of the festive program will be a large-scale celebration in Uzvaras Park. Activities will begin at 3:00 PM and last until late at night. Throughout the day, there will be a craft fair and stalls from local producers, concerts by folk ensembles, and creative workshops.
At 9:00 PM, the decoration of the Jānis bonfire will begin, along with communal singing and a concert by the band Zāle. Two hours later, the audience will see the dance performance Jāņu nakti darināju featuring the ensemble Daiļrade and the mixed choir Sōla. After midnight, guests can expect one of the most symbolic moments of the celebration — the ceremonial lighting of the bonfire, as well as folk dances and songs with the band Rikši.
Thus, Riga is once again preparing to celebrate Ligo and Jānis Day with grandeur, combining ancient traditions, music, folk art, and the atmosphere of the shortest and most magical night of the year.
