Festive events begin this week in Latvia – performances by artists, markets, tastings of seasonal delicacies. Many events are free to enter. Here are just a few examples from the extensive program of the upcoming long weekend.
What Riga has in store
- On Thursday, June 18, pre-Ligo concerts will take place in Kengarags, Ziepniekkalns, at the Small Guild, in the Town Hall Square, and in the Ziemeļblāzma cultural palace park. The program includes folklore, kokles, dances, wreath weaving, cheese making, Latvian ornaments, and concerts.
Also on Thursday, a traditional large concert for the summer solstice, Vidusvasaras dzīvestības, will be held in the Town Hall Square, featuring dance groups from the Small Guild cultural center.
- On Friday, June 19, a market will operate all day at Dome Square, where herbs, crafts, and seasonal products can be purchased.
In the evening, festive events will take place at the Small Guild and the Imanta cultural center.
- On Saturday, June 20, a concert titled "Solstice" will be held at the Ave Sol concert hall, while in the Strops cultural space in Strazdumuiža Park in Jugla, the celebration will feature the Suitu sievas ensemble, accordionist Karolīne Vanzāne, wreath weaving workshops, and evening gatherings by the bonfire.
The main event of the program will take place on June 20 in Uzvaras Park. From 3:00 PM until late evening, there will be concerts by folklore groups, creative workshops, a crafts and home producers' market. At 9:00 PM, the decoration of Janis's bonfire will begin, followed by communal singing and a concert by the band Zāle. At 11:00 PM, a dance performance featuring the Daiļrade ensemble and the mixed choir Sōla will take place. After midnight, a bonfire lighting ritual, dancing, and singing with the band Rikši are planned.
Where else in the capital is celebrating
In addition to Uzvaras Park, there will be three more places for celebrating Ligo and Janis Day: with music, dancing, and fires until dawn, reports the capital's municipality.
Traditionally, Ligo and Janis Day will be celebrated in Riga at Grīziņkalns Park; on Cuckoo Hill (Dzegužkalns); and in the Green Theater of Mežaparks.
Festive events will begin at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, June 23, and will last until 4:30 AM the next day.
Entry to all events will be free. Traditional festive dishes and drinks will be available for purchase at the event venues.
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Grīziņkalns invites everyone to the event "From Sun to Sun" featuring folklore ensembles, music groups, and DJs.
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At Cuckoo Hill, the festive event will take place in the spirit of folk traditions along with participants from the Riga Dance Club and musicians.
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The Green Theater of Mežaparks will host an event featuring the folklore group Rikši, Žoržs Siksna, Aija Andreeva, the band Labvēlīgais tips, and others.
Bonfires and discos in Jūrmala
On June 23, the celebration will take place on Kauguri Beach at the end of Captain Zolts Street.
At 9:30 PM, the traditional Janis bonfire will be lit here. From 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the band Labvēlīgais tips will perform for guests. After that, from 11:15 PM to 2:00 AM, the celebration will continue with dancing by the sea to the music of DJ Grauzdiņš.
Fire show and dancing until morning in Ventspils
Ventspils is also preparing several festive days by the sea, where the summer solstice promises not only traditional markets and wreaths but also night rituals, music until dawn, and events for the whole family.
On June 21, a herb market will take place at the Old Town Market in Ventspils from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, where herbs for Janis Day, wreaths, cheese, and other festive goods can be purchased.
At the VIZIUM science center, young explorers will be able to learn about the world of animation, participate in creative workshops, and watch exciting science shows "Where there’s smoke, there’s fire" and "Superpowers Laboratory".
From 11:00 AM, a summer solstice event for the whole family will take place in the Children's Town. Guests will be able to watch the dance performance "Ligo is easy, summer, downhill", participate in wreath weaving, sing along, and learn traditional Ligo dances. Entry is free.
On June 23, starting at 7:30 AM, the traditional Ligo market will create a festive atmosphere at the Old Town Market.
In the evening, at 9:00 PM, a Ligo evening concert "Where my little light burns..." will take place in Renķa Park.
At the end of the concert, a large Janis bonfire will be lit, after which festive dancing with the band Express and DJ One will continue until 4:00 AM. Entry to the event is free.
About the traditional naked runs
How could we do without them? Naked runs on Ligo are traditionally held regularly in various places in Latvia. To promote health and beauty, in the night of Ligo, people used to run naked through the morning dew to the nearest body of water. Among the most famous "naked runs" are the night races in Kuldīga and Vecpiebalga.
Usually, anyone can participate in them—without any discrimination based on age, gender, and so on. Women and men of any age, but no clothing—at most, one can wear a Ligo wreath on their head.
Have a great holiday!
