Summer Solstice Celebration at Plāteres Hillfort

On June 20th, starting from 20:00, at Plāteres Hillfort in Madliena Parish, there will be songs, dances, fire rituals, and other activities to celebrate the SUMMER SOLSTICE.

Plāteres Hillfort in Madliena Parish, Ogre District, is a sacred place where we gather annually for the Summer Solstice celebration, following Latvian folk traditions to accompany the sun, light the Midsummer bonfire, rid ourselves of all that is negative, and honor the festivities that Latvians have revered since ancient times.

The Summer Solstice will be opened by the folk group GRAUDI from Tomes Community Center, the youth dance group DAINA STUDIJA from Madliena Cultural Center, the folklore group and band JOSTA from Lielvārde Cultural Center.

Lilija and Edgars Lipori will invite everyone to light the Midsummer bonfire and join the Midsummer ritual procession.

Throughout the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to weave flower or herb wreaths, drink herbal tea, taste Midsummer cheese cooked over the bonfire, and at the end of the evening, a fire circle journey is expected.

A free bus has been specially arranged from Ogre to the celebration site at Plāteres Hillfort.

The bus will follow the route: 19:00 Ogre District Cultural Center - Plāteres Hillfort, ~ 1:00 Plāteres Hillfort - Ogre District Cultural Center.

The event will take place in nature, so we recommend dressing according to the weather and bringing your own picnic basket and blanket.
Entry to the event and festival activities are free of charge.

Event schedule:
20:00 Summer Solstice opening ceremony with GRAUDI from Tomes Community Center, DAINA STUDIJA from Madliena Cultural Center, the folklore group and band JOSTA from Lielvārde Cultural Center

22:00 Lighting of the Midsummer bonfire ritual led by Lilija and Edgars Lipori

22:45 Raising of the Maypole

24:00 Fire circle journey

Throughout the evening, there will be a workshop on making herb wreaths and charms with Vineta Grīnberga and Iveta Gulbe.