The Liepāja 2027 Foundation has launched an open invitation for farms and households within the Liepāja, South Kurzeme, and Kuldīga municipalities to participate in a specialised masterclass cycle titled “Midsummer on the Farm”. This initiative serves as a foundational step for the larger “Nordic Solstice” project, which will see these private properties open their gates to the public and international visitors for the Midsummer celebrations in June 2027.
The programme is designed to equip participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to host large-scale public events while maintaining the authenticity of Kurzeme Midsummer traditions. The organisers particularly encourage applications from households that have historically celebrated the solstice privately but are now ready to transition into public event management. To ensure a cohesive approach, each participating household must be represented by at least two individuals.
The sessions will be held at the Kazdanga Culture House, with each five-hour meeting divided into two theoretical and two practical segments. Instruction will be provided by folklorists Beatrise and Andris Kapusts, who will be joined by folklore ensemble leaders from Rucava, Jūrkalne, and Snēpele. The masterclass series will conclude with participation in the traditional Midsummer celebrations in Rīga.
The first masterclass is scheduled for 11 April at 11:00, focusing on the representation of Midsummer traditions in academic research and digital resources. Participants will analyse the symbolism of the celebration and learn the specific songs, games, and dances that define the solstice. This session will feature contributions from the Rucava ethnographic ensemble and Liepāja 2027 ambassador Staņislava Skudiķe, who will share personal insights into the enduring Jāņi traditions of Rucava.
A second session on 25 April will pivot to the physical rituals and preparations required for the festivities. Participants will engage in practical lessons on constructing traditional bonfires, crafting festive decorations, weaving wreaths, and preparing regional cuisine. Kristīne Skrulle, director of the Jūrkalne Community Centre, will provide a case study on the successful “Summer Solstice in the Meadows of Jūrkalne” festival to illustrate the logistics of communal celebration.
On 16 May, the focus will shift to the social dynamics of the solstice, with a session on games, circle dances, and vocal traditions. Laura Kārkliņa, organiser of the “Jāņi Kalna Āzeros” festival, will lead a lecture on event organisation followed by a tasting of traditional dishes.
The masterclass cycle will conclude on 18 June with a trip to the capital to take part in ritual activities at the “Labietis” cultural pub in Rīga.
Registration for the cycle is open until 1 April 2026 via an online application form.
Participation in the masterclasses is free of charge.
Upon completion of the training, participants will become eligible to apply for co-financing through a competition “Midsummer on the Farm” organised by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation.
The “Nordic Solstice” project is managed by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation with a total budget of 468,310 EUR. This funding consists of contributions from the Liepāja City Municipality of 33,667 EUR, South Kurzeme Municipality of 50,000 EUR, and Kuldīga Municipality of 20,000 EUR, alongside 364,643 EUR provided by 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, while “Lux Express Latvia” Ltd serves as the mobility partner.
Liepāja 2027 Foundation
Project Manager
Dārta Rašmane
Phone.: +371 22 011 136
E-mail: darta.rasmane@liepaja2027.lv
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