Latvia comes alive during the summer months with a rich tapestry of festivals that celebrate the country's deep cultural traditions, musical heritage, and connection to nature. From the ancient pagan rituals of Midsummer to contemporary music festivals, summer in Latvia offers visitors unique opportunities to experience authentic local culture. As a cultural historian and tour guide, I'm delighted to share this guide to Latvia's most significant summer celebrations.
Jāņi: The Magical Midsummer Celebration
The summer solstice celebration, known as Jāņi, is Latvia's most important traditional festival. Celebrated on June 23-24, this ancient pagan holiday honors the summer solstice with rituals that have survived for thousands of years despite centuries of Christianity and Soviet occupation.
During Jāņi, Latvians leave the cities for countryside celebrations that involve several key elements:
- Flower and oak leaf wreaths: Women wear wreaths of meadow flowers, while men don crowns of oak leaves.
- Bonfire jumping: Couples jump over bonfires for good luck, fertility, and to cleanse themselves of the previous year's troubles.
- Folk songs: Thousands of special Līgo songs (traditional solstice songs) are sung throughout the night.
- Special foods: Jāņu siers (a caraway cheese) and beer are the traditional foods of the celebration.
- Searching for the mythical fern flower: Legend has it that a magical fern blooms at midnight on Midsummer's Eve, granting good fortune to anyone who finds it.
Latvian women wearing traditional flower wreaths during Jāņi celebrations
Traveler's tip: If you're visiting Latvia during Midsummer, you'll find most businesses closed as people celebrate in the countryside. Consider joining an organized Jāņi event for visitors, like those held at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum or various rural tourism properties that offer traditional festivities for guests.
Latvian Song and Dance Celebration
Every five years, Latvia hosts the spectacular Song and Dance Celebration, a UNESCO-recognized cultural event that brings together up to 40,000 participants from across the country. While the main celebration occurs every five years (next in 2023), various regional song and dance festivals happen throughout each summer.
The celebration includes:
- A massive choir concert featuring thousands of singers
- Folk dance performances with intricate choreography and colorful traditional costumes
- Instrumental folk music concerts
- Crafts markets showcasing traditional Latvian handicrafts
- Processions through city streets
The spectacular choir performance at the Song and Dance Celebration
Traveler's tip: If you're visiting during the main celebration (July 2023), book accommodation well in advance. For the massive choir concert at the Song Festival Grounds, arrive early to secure a spot on the lawn if you don't have tickets.
Positivus Festival
Latvia's largest contemporary music and arts festival, Positivus, takes place in July in the coastal town of Salacgrīva (though the 2023 edition will be held in Riga). This Baltic musical highlight attracts international headliners alongside the best Baltic talent for a weekend of music, art, and coastal relaxation.
Beyond music, Positivus offers:
- Contemporary art installations
- Film screenings
- Children's entertainment areas
- Food markets featuring local cuisine
- Camping facilities near the beach
The main stage at Positivus Festival attracts international headliners
Traveler's tip: The festival atmosphere is very friendly and safe. If camping isn't your style, nearby towns offer accommodation options, but book well in advance.
Medieval Festival in Cēsis
Each July, the picturesque town of Cēsis steps back in time with its Medieval Festival held within the atmospheric ruins of Cēsis Castle, one of Latvia's most impressive medieval fortresses.
The festival recreates medieval life with:
- Knights' tournaments and combat demonstrations
- Medieval craft workshops
- Period music and dance performances
- Traditional food prepared using ancient methods
- Medieval games and entertainment
Knights demonstrate medieval combat techniques at Cēsis Castle
Traveler's tip: Combine your festival visit with exploration of the charming town of Cēsis itself, which features well-preserved historic architecture and beautiful Gauja National Park just minutes away.
Rīga City Festival
Latvia's capital celebrates its birthday in mid-August with a weekend of festivities spread throughout the city. Founded in 1201, Riga commemorates its long history with events that blend traditional culture with contemporary entertainment.
Festival highlights include:
- Open-air concerts in squares and parks
- Street performances and art installations
- Special museum exhibitions and cultural programs
- Sports competitions
- The spectacular closing fireworks over the Daugava River
Spectacular fireworks over the Daugava River during Riga City Festival
Traveler's tip: Pick up a festival program at the tourist information center to navigate the numerous events happening simultaneously across the city. Many museums offer free or discounted entry during the festival weekend.
Traditional Fishermen's Festival
Latvia's coastal regions celebrate their fishing heritage with lively festivals throughout the summer. The most famous of these is the Fishermen's Festival in Jūrmala and various celebrations in fishing villages along the Baltic coast.
These authentic local celebrations feature:
- Fresh seafood prepared in traditional ways
- Demonstrations of fishing techniques and boat building
- Folk music and dances specific to coastal regions
- Fish smoking competitions
- Sea-themed games and activities
Traditional fish smoking demonstration at a coastal Fishermen's Festival
Traveler's tip: These festivals are less about tourism and more about authentic local traditions, making them wonderful opportunities to experience coastal culture as locals do. Bring cash as many small vendors may not accept cards.
Herb Festival at Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
For a deeper look at Latvia's connection to nature and traditional herbal knowledge, visit the Herb Festival held in June at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum near Riga. This celebration of Latvia's rich tradition of herbal medicine and plant lore corresponds with the peak season for gathering medicinal plants.
The festival includes:
- Demonstrations of traditional herbal medicine preparation
- Guided walks identifying wild medicinal plants
- Workshops on making herbal teas, salves, and other preparations
- Traditional sauna rituals featuring healing herbs
- Market selling locally made herbal products
Traditional herbal medicine workshop during the Herb Festival
Traveler's tip: This festival provides wonderful insight into Latvia's deep connection with the natural world, which remains an important part of the culture. Bring a notebook to record recipes and uses for the various herbs showcased.
Baltic Beach Party in Liepāja
Latvia's western coastal city of Liepāja hosts the Baltic Beach Party in July, one of the biggest beach festivals in Northern Europe. Set on the beautiful white sand beaches of the Baltic Sea, this festival combines music performances with beach sports and activities.
Festival highlights include:
- Multiple music stages featuring various genres
- Beach volleyball tournaments
- Water sports demonstrations and competitions
- Dance performances and competitions
- Food and drink vendors along the beachfront
Music and celebration on the beach during Baltic Beach Party
Traveler's tip: Liepāja itself is worth exploring, with its interesting naval port history, unique architecture, and the former secret Soviet military town of Karosta just outside the city.
Planning Your Festival Experience
Each of these festivals offers a unique window into different aspects of Latvian culture. To make the most of your festival experience, consider these tips:
- Book accommodation early: Smaller towns especially can sell out quickly during major festivals.
- Embrace the local spirit: Many festivals involve participation rather than passive observation – be ready to join in dances, songs, or rituals.
- Try traditional foods and drinks: Festivals often feature regional specialties not easily found in restaurants.
- Learn a few Latvian phrases: Even simple greetings will be appreciated by locals at traditional events.
- Check weather forecasts: Many festivals occur outdoors, so be prepared for Latvia's sometimes unpredictable summer weather.
Latvia's summer festivals offer travelers authentic cultural experiences that go far beyond typical tourist attractions. Whether you're dancing around a Midsummer bonfire, listening to thousands of voices joined in traditional song, or sampling freshly smoked fish at a coastal celebration, these festivals provide unforgettable insights into Latvia's rich cultural heritage.
At PriatecSwap, we can arrange your visit to coincide with these festivals and help with logistical support to enhance your experience. Contact us to learn more about incorporating Latvian festivities into your travel plans.
