Midsummer Eve 2025
Date: June 23, 2025 (Monday)
Country: Latvia Public Holidays
Description
Midsummer Eve in Latvia is one of the most important national celebrations. Latvians call it Jāņu vakars or simply Jāņi. It marks the heart of summer and brings families and communities together.
It takes place on the night of June 23, leading into June 24. This date sits around the summer solstice, when days are longest and nature is full of light and growth.
The holiday means celebrating the power of light, the peak of summer and life in the countryside. It honors nature, the changing seasons and the close bond between people and the land.
Midsummer Eve is also important for Latvian culture and identity. It links modern life to old beliefs and shared history, helping people remember who they are and where they come from.
As a national holiday it brings people across the country together. It is a time of renewal, hope and gratitude for the sun, the fields and another warm season.
Traditions
People gather in villages and fields to sing folk songs and dance in circles around bonfires. Bands play accordion and fiddle music while children run with flower wreaths and everyone joins in playful circle dances.
People make flower wreaths to wear on their heads. Young women tie herbs and wildflowers into braids, while men sometimes wear oak leaf crowns. Many couples try to find the legendary fern flower at night as a fun game.
Bonfires are lit at sunset and people jump over the flames for luck and health. Some wash their faces in morning dew or nearby streams, believing it brings fresh energy.
Food is simple and shared. Tables have grilled meat, new potatoes, fresh salads, white cheese with sour cream, and lots of beer or kvass for toasting and singing together.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks, and some museums close or work reduced on Midsummer Eve. Trains and buses can run less often. Book accommodation and return travel in advance. Expect heavy traffic to countryside spots and beaches in late afternoon and evening.
Join public events in towns for safe fun. Carry ID, cash, and a mobile phone. Be careful near bonfires and open flames. Respect private property and local rules. Use licensed taxis or prebook rides home if you drink. Enjoy evenings early to avoid crowds.