The second session of the masterclass series “Midsummer in the Countryside” has concluded

On Saturday, April 25, the second session of the masterclass series “Midsummer in the Countryside” was held, during which farm owners learned theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as various rituals for the summer solstice celebrations, under the leadership of folklorists Beatrise and Andris Kapusts, so that in June 2027 they can open their yards for a joint Jāņi celebration.

During this workshop, participants learned how to prepare a traditional bonfire, make festive decorations, create flower crowns, and prepare traditional Midsummer dishes. Kristīne Skrulle, Manager of the Jūrkalne Community Center, shared her experience of organizing the “Summer Solstice at Jūrkalne Bonfire Field” celebration with those in the workshop.

“Twenty-five farms from the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions are participating in the ‘Midsummer in the Countryside’ masterclass series, each enriching this shared journey toward the summer solstice with its own story, experience, and unique atmosphere. We are truly delighted by the farms’ enthusiastic support and interest in these masterclasses! This demonstrates that the desire to preserve traditions, strengthen community bonds, and keep the spirit of our elders’ celebrations alive in our countryside is still very vibrant and strong. This can truly be felt in every session of the workshop!” says Dārta Rašmane, Project Manager at the Foundation “Liepāja 2027 Foundation.”

The third and final session of the “Midsummer in the Countryside” masterclass series will take place on Saturday, May 16, at 11:00, at the Kazdanga Cultural Center. During the session, participants will have the opportunity to learn new plays and dances, as well as practice singing and dancing; the session will conclude with experience stories by Laura Kārkliņa, organizer of the “Jāņi Kalna Āzeros” festival.

This summer, on June 11, the workshop participants will meet in Riga for a special closing event to share their experiences, explore new ideas, and celebrate the conclusion of the training series.

Once the masterclasses conclude this fall, after reviewing applications from farms, co-funding will be awarded for organizing Midsummer celebrations on country farms, so that next summer bonfires will blaze in the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions, Midsummer songs will sound and our ancient Midsummer heritage will be honored. The event “Midsummer in the Countryside” will take place in June 2027 in the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions, complementing the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 project “Northern Solstice.”

The “Nordic Solstice” project is managed by the Liepāja 2027; it is co-funded from the Liepāja City Municipality, South Kurzeme Municipality, Kuldīga Municipality and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia. The project is supported by JSC “CleanR Grupa” as the primary partner for environmental education and sustainability, its main partner in air mobility and international communication, AS airBaltic Corporation, JSC; and its land mobility partner, SIA Lux Express Latvia, Ltd. Media partners are VSIA Latvijas Sabiedriskais Medijs and AS Kurzemes Radio, JSC.