On June 21, the Midsummer Fire will be lit for the sixteenth time at Jūrkalne Fire Meadow, inviting revelers from Kurzeme and all over Latvia to immerse themselves in the magical solstice atmosphere. These are some of the most vibrant Latvian seasonal celebrations, where traditions, rituals, and togetherness blend at one of the most impressive celebration spots by the Baltic Sea – the Jūrkalne bluff.
From 8:00 PM, revelers are invited to the Fire Meadow, where the ethnographic ensemble “Maģie Suiti,” Ventspils Municipality folklore groups, the ethnocompany “Zeidi,” and the ensemble “Suitu Dūdenieki” will welcome the summer solstice with songs, dances, and games. Creative workshops will be available for both adults and children – you can weave wreaths, craft special soaps, make symbolic solstice signs, and more.
At 10:00 PM, revelers will head to the sea, where they will await sunset on the beach alongside Ventspils Municipality dance collectives and the youth folk dance collective “Strautuguns” from Ventspils University. At sunset, a fiery wheel will be rolled into the sea from the bluff, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes.
At 11:00 PM, the group “Jauno Jāņu Orķestris” will energize the Fire Meadow, and at midnight, the fire mills will spin. The night will continue with dances together with the ethnocompany “Zeidi.”
The strength of the Jūrkalne solstice combines the traditions of the Suiti, Livonians, and Vents, allowing everyone to experience a deep connection to nature, culture, and time. These festivities are more than a concert or bonfire – they are about maintaining a communal fire, living the wisdom of ancestors, and creating new memories that linger in the heart long after.
Event Program for “Summer Solstice at Jūrkalne Fire Meadow”:
8:00 PM Welcoming revelers and folklore group concert, with songs, games, and solstice traditions. Fire Meadow, stage
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Creative workshops and masterclasses (wreath weaving, cheese making, weaving frames from natural materials, baking traditional pies, preparing solstice tea, etc.). near Vējturi House. (between Vējturi House and Fire Meadow)
9:25 PM Lighting the bonfire and rituals. Fire Meadow.
9:40 PM Procession to the sea.
10:00 PM – 10:35 PM Ventspils Municipality's middle-generation and youth dance collectives' concert by the sea. Sunset watching.
10:35 PM Rolling the fiery wheel down the bluff. Central beach, platform
10:50 PM Burning of the bonfire. Fire Meadow.
11:00 PM – 12:00 AM Concert by the music group “Jauno Jāņu Orķestris.” Fire Meadow, stage
12:00 AM Spinning the fire mills. Near Vējturi House
12:15 AM – 2:00 AM Solstice dances with the ethnocompany “Zeidi.” Fire Meadow
See you in Jūrkalne!
