Starting next week, Riga will launch a large-scale program of events dedicated to Ligo and Jāņi day. Residents and guests of the capital can look forward to concerts, folk dances, wreath weaving, fairs, workshops, and traditional bonfires in various districts of the city.
Starting from June 17, Riga will kick off a series of pre-holiday events dedicated to Ligo and the summer solstice. Over the course of several days, festive activities will take place both in the capital's center and in the neighborhoods (the program in Latvian here>>).
This year, the creative concept of the holiday is inspired by the nature and atmosphere of Jāņi night. The organizers aimed to convey the feeling of the summer solstice and remind people of the traditions that remain an important part of Latvian culture.
The festive program will begin on June 17 at the cultural spaces "Strops" in Čiekurkalns and Plavnieki. Visitors can expect fire rituals, wreath weaving workshops, creative activities, and performances by folk groups.
On June 18, events will continue in Kengarags, Ziepniekkalns, Mezaparks, and the city center. The Town Hall Square will feature works by Raimonds Pauls and the group "Labvēlīgais tips," and in the evening, there will be a traditional large concert of folk dance "Vidusvasaras dzīvestības."
For those who want to feel the atmosphere of the holiday in advance, there will be plenty to choose from: almost every day of the program includes concerts, folk song lessons, wreath making, and introductions to solstice traditions.
On June 19, a Green Market will open at Dome Square. Here, visitors can purchase Jāņi herbs, crafts, seasonal products, and festive decorations. On the same day, events will take place in Imanta and in the courtyard of the Small Guild.
The Riga Porcelain Museum has also prepared separate workshops. On June 18 and 19, visitors will be able to participate for free in creative activities dedicated to the theme of the solstice.
On June 20, the festive program will reach its peak activity. Concerts and folk festivities will take place at the "Ave Sol" concert hall and in Strazdumuiža Park in Jugla.
The main event will be the grand celebration "Jāņu riti" in Victory Park. From 3:00 PM, there will be a crafts fair and creative workshops, while folk groups from all over Latvia will perform on stage.
In the evening, guests can look forward to concerts, communal singing, and the traditional decoration of the Jāņi fire. After midnight, the ceremonial lighting of the fire will take place, and the celebration will continue with folk dances and songs until late at night.
Thus, Riga effectively begins to celebrate Ligo almost a week before Jāņi day itself, offering residents dozens of free events throughout the city.
