Midsummer Eve in Latvia

Dates and legal status

Latvia’s law lists June 23 as Līgo Day and June 24 as Jāņi Day, both public holidays. The Labour Law says employees cannot be required to work on public holidays; where continuity of a work process makes work necessary, an employer may require it while granting another rest day or appropriate remuneration.[1][2]

The law’s next-working-day rule applies to certain other holidays if they fall on a Saturday or Sunday: May 4, the final day of the Nationwide Latvian Song and Dance Celebration, and November 18. It does not name Līgo Day or Jāņi Day, so that rule does not create a substitute day for this celebration.[1]

Meaning and seasonal roots

Līgo and Jāņi are Latvia’s biggest traditional festival, with deep symbolic meaning for Latvians. The celebration is connected with the summer solstice and customs that predate Christianity; its older roots lie in a farmers’ festival between sowing and harvest.[3][4]

The days are associated with the seasonal turning point and the shortest night of the year. Remaining awake through the night is part of the tradition.[4]

How people celebrate

Customs include gathering wildflowers and branches, weaving flower or oak-leaf wreaths, and decorating homes. People light a ceremonial bonfire, sing folk songs with the repeated “Līgo” refrain, and may leap over the fire. Seeking the mythical fern flower is part of the night’s folklore.[3][4]

Celebrations are often held outdoors, including at rural homesteads and open-air parties. The night is traditionally spent awake until sunrise. Some customs are described as beliefs rather than guarantees: for example, walking through morning dew is said to bring money, while washing one’s face in it is associated with beauty.[4]

Caraway cheese, known as Jāņu cheese, and beer are traditional foods and drinks. Barley beer and patties are also associated with the celebration.[3][4]

Planning around the holiday

Employees generally cannot be required to work on either public holiday, subject to the continuity-of-work exception in the Labour Law. Check opening hours with banks and shops, and transport timetables with the operators.[1][2]