Summer Solstice at Jūrkalne

On June 21st, for the fifteenth year in a row, you can experience the magic of summer solstice at Jūrkalne Meadow – bonfires and fire mills, traditions, rituals, songs, and dances.

Starting from 9:00 PM, folk ensembles from Ventspils district will perform at the meadow, solstice workshops and masterclasses will be available. When the big bonfire is lit at 10:00 PM, accompanied by the sound of suiti bagpipes, people will head towards the sea through the illuminated forest. As the sun sets, a fire path will shimmer in the sea from the cliff. Then at 11:00 PM, a pot will be lit at the meadow, the sisters Dimantas will play music, and musical surprises are also expected. At midnight, strong dancers will spin the fire mills, and the magical summer solstice night will continue with dances led by Katrīna Dimanta and the “Alšvanga Players”.

Kristīne Skrulle, the head of Jūrkalne Folk House and one of the organizers of this event, invites everyone to experience the magic of solstice at Jūrkalne: “During the summer solstice, nature is in full bloom. The sun reaches its highest point, and humans merge with nature as a unified whole. We will honor the fire until dawn and swim in the morning dew. We will leap over the bonfires and collect fern blossoms, as the Midsummer herbs have special power. Let's feel our connection to our people and nature.”