Midsummer's Day and Night (Līgo and Jāņi) are without a doubt the biggest and most traditional holiday of the Latvian people, celebrated by all generations – big and small, old and young. The festivities are usually celebrated according to pagan customs, that have been around for a long time, with a dash of mysticism and magic thrown in for good measure.
As usual, Midsummer celebrations at Dzegužkalns will take place in a traditional atmosphere. The programme will begin at 8:00 PM, led by Midsummer hosts Zoja Heimrāte and Edgars Lipors, together with members of the Riga Dance Club and ethno group Zeidi. From 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, visitors will be invited to join traditional singing rituals and Midsummer customs led by Zeidi. From 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM, the post-folk group Iļģi will perform traditional Midsummer songs. From 11:00 PM until midnight, everyone will be welcome to join a grand traditional folk dance session led by Ilga Reizniece and Iļģi, with dancers from the Riga Dance Club teaching the steps. After midnight, all participants named Jānis will be honoured in a special ceremony, followed by a musical performance by Rahu to symbolically drive away the darkness. At 2:00 AM, guests will await the sunrise together with the contemporary folk group Jauno Jāņu Orķestris, while the post-folk group Rikši will accompany the final moments before sunrise.