International Culture Event of Traditional Heritage “Nordic Solstice”

To strengthen traditional culture, highlight local heritage, and foster international cooperation, Liepāja 2027 will usher in an unforgettable celebration of light, life, and shared traditions with the launch of Nordic Solstice — one of the flagship international culture projects of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027.

The festival is organised by Liepāja 2027 in close collaboration with the Liepāja Folk Art and Culture Centre and international partners.

As the sun dips low and the longest days reach their peak, the first edition of Nordic Solstice will unfold on the evening of 23 June, transforming Liepāja’s Seaside Park and beach into a festival space from 19:30 until dawn. Through music, ritual, and revelry, the night will pulse with the rhythms of summer solstice traditions from Latvia and across the Nordic region. This marks the beginning of what is set to become a travelling celebration—expanding over the next two years to bring the magic of midsummer to rural communities across South Kurzeme and Kuldīga. The spark is lit—now let’s watch it spread.

With performers arriving from Lithuania, Belgium, Ireland and Norway, the programme promises to shine a light on Europe’s rich cultural mosaic, promoting international friendship through music and ritual.

The Big Stage in the Seaside Park will welcome

• At 19:30, Latvian musician Ieva Tālberga and her band — three spirited ladies from Kurzeme, Ieva, Magone and Elīna — will set the evening in motion with a fusion of ancient Midsummer songs and ambient electronica.
• At 20:20, the Norwegian group Gabba, led by the maestro of yoik John André Eira, will take the stage with an authentic and powerful sound that will take listeners into the heart of indigenous Sámi culture and discover a rare heard payer od the world music.
• At 23:00, the night will rise to a joyful crescendo with an open-air Midsummer party, featuring groups “Klaidonis” and “4kw”.

The Liepāja beach will become the setting for the Sun Ritual beginning at 21:30

Belgian musician Romina Lischka, together with like-minded artists from Ireland, Latvia and Lithuania, will present an interdisciplinary performance that channels the universal symbolism of the sun. With vocals, kokle, and dance, the piece brings together voices and visions across cultures. Performers include Romina Lischka (vocals, viola da gamba, Belgium), Roisin Elsafty (vocals, Ireland), Laima Jansone (kokle, Latvia), and choreographers “IevaKrish” (Lithuania, Latvia).

The ritual will culminate in a bonfire ceremony, led by traditional culture researcher Ingus Freibergs and the folklore ensemble “Ēdol’s Ķist”, under the direction of Zane Jančevska. This ancient rite, honouring the elements of earth, air, water and fire, will gather festivalgoers in collective song and dedication as the flames rise to greet the night. At the heart of the ritual is the belief in the power of nature and human connection — a celebration of strength, growth, and the turning of the year.

Nordic Solstice is a celebration for all — a gathering of families, folk music lovers, curious travellers and locals alike. Whether drawn by the rituals of the solstice or the call of world music, all are invited to join in this midsummer night by the sea.

The event is organised 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.