Latvia is a country brimming with culture that goes back centuries. Throughout the year, Latvia has an array of festivals and celebrations that showcase their heritage. These events range from traditional folk festivals to contemporary music fests, each highlighting a different aspect of Latvian culture. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the most celebrated festivals and events in Latvia.
Jāņi
One of the most beloved festivals in Latvia is Jāņi. This is a midsummer rite that takes place on June 23rd and 24th. It is a time of celebration of nature, love, and fertility. The celebration includes huge bonfires and people wearing wreaths of oak leaves and flowers on their heads, dancing the night away and indulging in traditional Latvian foods and drink, especially beer and cheese.
Latvian Song and Dance Festival
The Latvian Song and Dance Festival is held every five years, showcasing the best choirs from all over Latvia. This festival brings together hundreds of thousands of people who relish in melody, poetry, and tradition. The festival has a history that goes back to 1873 and has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visitors can enjoy a chance to marvel at new and old dancers displaying their talents.
Riga Jurmala Music Festival
The Riga Jurmala Music Festival is a recent addition to the Latvian event calendar. It is one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in Europe, held in Riga and Jurmala. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience chamber music played by the likes of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. The festival is held from late July to mid-August.
Latvian Folk Dance Festival
In sync with the Song Festival, the Latvian Folk Dance Festival is held every five years in various cities in Latvia. This multi-day event brings together thousands of dancers who perform traditional Latvian dances in beautiful traditional costumes. Visitors get a chance to not just watch but also participate in the historic dance performances.
Winter Solstice Festival
The Winter Solstice Festival takes place on the 21st of December. This festival celebrates the Winter Solstice, which marks the return of longer days in the northern hemisphere. It is a time when families gather to share a traditional meal of beans and peas. In the evening, there are huge bonfires and a procession of people carrying homemade candles through the streets of Latvia’s towns and cities.
Autumn Equinox Festival
The Autumnal Equinox Festival is an annual event held on September 21st or 22nd that welcomes the arrival of autumn. This is a time when people celebrate the harvest. The festival features traditional folk music and dance performances, as well as open-air markets with local crafts and food. The night ends with a massive bonfire and a firework display in honor of the autumn harvest.
Riga Festival
The Riga Festival is held annually in August and celebrates the city of Riga’s birthday. Visitors who attend the festival will see firsthand the city’s grandeur, history, and culture. The festival offers a range of events, including concerts, street performances, and exhibitions of Latvian art, history, and literature.
Overall, Latvia has an assortment of festivals that give visitors an opportunity to learn and experience Latvia’s rich cultural heritage. Whether it’s the exuberant Jāņi, the classic Song and Dance Festival, or the contemporary Riga Jurmala Music Festival, there is something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Visit any of these festivals and discover the amazing and unique culture of Latvia.