Midsummer in Latvia
Latvia marks Midsummer as Līgo Day on June 23 and Jāņi Day on June 24, both public holidays under national law.[1] The celebration brings together summer-solstice customs, folk songs, bonfires and foods such as caraway cheese.[3]
Two public holidays in June
Latvia’s law names June 23 as Līgo Day and June 24 as Jāņi Day, which is associated with the summer solstice. The two dates are part of the country’s public-holiday calendar; they are not simply an observance on the solstice date alone.[1][3]
Employees generally cannot be required to work on public holidays. The Labour Law allows holiday work when needed to keep a work process continuous, with rest on another day or appropriate remuneration. The law’s substitute-day provision applies to certain other holidays when they fall on a weekend, but does not include June 23 or 24.[1][2]
Seasonal roots and meaning
Jāņi has roots in an older celebration associated with farming between sowing and harvest. Today, the holiday is closely tied to the summer solstice and Latvia’s seasonal landscape: June is a time of flowering, and Līgo night is traditionally spent awake.[3]
The celebration is part of a broader tradition of marking seasonal change. Its Latvian character comes through local names, folk songs, plant lore and shared customs that continue to be observed alongside public festivities.[3][4]
Songs, wreaths and the bonfire
People often celebrate outdoors, including at rural homesteads and open-air gatherings. Groups sing Jāņi folk songs whose refrain is “Līgo!”; the songs, dancing and gathering around bonfires are central to the night’s festivities.[3][4]
Wreaths are made from wildflowers or oak leaves, and homes may be decorated with branches and flowers. Some traditional beliefs connect plants gathered at this time with healing or protection. Leaping over the bonfire is another custom, while staying awake until sunrise and walking through the morning dew are part of the traditional observance.[3]
What people eat and drink
Caraway cheese, known as Jāņu siers, and beer are closely associated with the celebration. Latvia’s national tourism board describes making or sharing the cheese, drinking beer and singing together as part of Līgo and Jāņi observances.[3]
Food is part of a gathering that can last through the night and into the morning. The specific menu and activities vary between households and events, so visitors should treat these as common traditions rather than a fixed programme followed everywhere.[3]
Planning around the holiday
Because June 23 and 24 are public holidays, employees generally have those days free unless an exception for continuous work applies. Check directly with the shops, banks, public offices or transport services you plan to use.[1][2]
Public celebrations and private gatherings take place in different parts of the country; Latvia’s tourism board describes people celebrating at rural homesteads or open-air events. Check local event details and transport timetables before setting out, especially for late-night travel.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Midsummer celebrated in Latvia?
Are June 23 and 24 days off work?
Do the dates move when they fall on a weekend?
The holiday law provides following-working-day substitutes for certain named holidays when they fall on a Saturday or Sunday. June 23 and 24 are not among those dates, so the law does not provide a substitute day for them.[1]
What are typical Jāņi traditions?
Common customs include singing Līgo folk songs, wearing flower or oak-leaf wreaths, gathering around a bonfire, staying awake through the night and sharing caraway cheese and beer.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Midsummer in Latvia:
- On Public Holidays, Commemoration Days, and Celebration Days- Likumi.lv, the official legislation portal of the Republic of Latvia
- Labour Law- Likumi.lv, the official legislation portal of the Republic of Latvia
- Summer solstice celebrations- Latvia Travel, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
- Culture and traditions in Latvia- Latvia Travel, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia