“Nordic Solstice” to Light Up on the Eve of Līgo with Baltic and Nordic Traditions

As the sun reaches its zenith and ancient fires prepare to blaze once more, Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 invites locals and guests to welcome the magic of the summer solstice with a celebration of Baltic and Nordic unity. On 23 June at 19:30, “Nordic Solstice” will unfold in Seaside Park and on the beach combining solstice traditions, nature rituals and music.

This year’s “Nordic Solstice” marks the beginning of a heartfelt cultural dialogue with our neighbours to the north. It’s more than a celebration – it’s a gesture of friendship, bringing together Baltic and Nordic midsummer traditions while placing our local heritage into a broader global rhythm. And this is only the beginning. In the years to come, “Nordic Solstice” will continue its journey across rural farms and communities of South Kurzeme and Kuldīga regions.

The heart of the first event beats in Liepāja’s Seaside Park, where the main stage will be located near the children’s playground, whereas the sunset celebration will move towards the beach beside Daugava Stadium, where the ancient rituals of sun and fire will come alive. All events are open to the public and free of charge.

At 19:30, the evening opens with a performance by musicians Ieva Tālberga, Magone Pujēna and Elīna Ernstone, fusing traditional solstice songs with ambient electronic layers. At 20:20, Norwegian band “Gabba” will bring the elemental power of Sámi yoiks and global folk rhythms to the stage. The energy will rise again from 23:00 to 03:00 at a beachside garden party featuring the bands “Klaidonis” and “4kw.”

As twilight turns to gold, one of the evening’s most evocative moments awaits. At 21:30, guests will gather on the shoreline for a Sun Ritual – a one-of-a-kind performance created especially for “Nordic Solstice”. Artists from across Europe will join in this ritual: Romina Lischka (vocals, viola da gamba, Belgium), Róisín Elsafty (vocals, Ireland), Laima Jansone (kokle, Latvia), and the choreographer duo IevaKrish (Lithuania/Latvia). The ritual will culminate in the kindling of the Midsummer bonfire and singing, led by traditional culture researcher Ingus Freibergs and the folklore ensemble Ēdol’s Ķist, under the guidance of Zane Jančevska.

Please note that due to ongoing renovation works, access to the beach near the Daugava Stadium reserve pitch will be available via the Rescue Station exit.

“Nordic Solstice” is presented as part of the Liepāja 2027 cultural programme in cooperation with the Liepāja Folk Art and Culture Centre. It is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and the Liepāja City Municipality. Additional support comes from Lux Express, the largest bus transport company in the Baltics.

Released by

Foundation “Liepāja 2027”
Public Relations and Marketing Department
Phone: + 371 22 017 277
E-mail: komunikacija@liepaja2027.lv