On June 21, at the Turaida Museum Reserve, Midsummer celebrations will take place from 4:30 a.m. until midnight under the theme “Across the Little Hill” (“Pār kalniņu”), inviting visitors to experience the summer solstice from morning rituals to evening dances, intertwining ancient traditions, nature, music, and the joy of togetherness.
The day will begin with a special sunrise event — the greeting of the Sun and the lighting of the ritual fire. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to enjoy a Midsummer-inspired workshop trail as well as a family workshop trail. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in workshops on building the Midsummer bonfire, weaving flower crowns, and creating festive decorations. There will also be opportunities to discover the sound and musical traditions of the kokle, Latvia’s traditional string instrument, and to meet several folklore groups. A Midsummer market offering a wide variety of festive foods and treats will also be open throughout the territory. In the evening, the festive atmosphere will become especially warm and unifying, as visitors are invited to take part in traditional singing rituals and call-and-response folk songs together with the Midsummer Mother, Midsummer Father, and folklorists. The culmination of the celebration will feature a sunset fire ritual and a concert by Iļģi accompanied by folk dancing, with participation from Rīgas danču klubs.
