On Saturday, June 21, as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme, a special and heartfelt “(un)rest Midsummer at “Otas”” was held in Kurmāle Parish, Kuldīga Municipality, bringing together participants of different generations to create a shared celebration, explore Latvian traditions, and strengthen community bonds. The event was marked by genuine participation – every guest became a creator of the celebration, crafting an unforgettable experience for both themselves and others.
The entire day passed in a lively and natural spirit of cooperation. The young people worked together to make torches, built a fire wheel, and in the evening entertained everyone present with songs around the bonfire. Meanwhile, others went out to the meadows to gather Midsummer herbs, cooked a communal festive soup over the bonfire, baked buns in the house, and set the festive table, while the young men gathered birch branches, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
“The community dance program was particularly popular. Although there were initially some concerns about the participants’ willingness to join in, after the event many admitted that the group dances had become one of the most memorable and unusual experiences of the Midsummer celebrations. The emotional highlight of the evening was the burning of the bonfire, which had been built together and decorated with Latvian symbols. As dusk fell, everyone gathered at the edge of the hill, singing songs to celebrate the setting sun. This moment created a special sense of togetherness and celebration that the participants will remember for a long time,” says Aija Birzniece, a community representative and event organizer.
The night continued with songs around the bonfire, using songbooks prepared especially for this event, but as the morning reached its culmination, the participants went to greet the sunrise at the eastern gate they had built themselves. Symbolically, a western gate had also been set up at the festival site, through which the sun was seen setting, thus completing the full cycle of the summer solstice ritual.
“The event “(un)rest Midsummer at “Otas”’ once again demonstrated that the most beautiful celebrations happen when people are willing to get involved and share their time, skills, and warmth. It was a celebration where traditions became a living experience, and being together became the greatest value. Thank you to “Liepāja 2027” for the opportunity to bring this community initiative to life!” says Aija Birzniece.
The “(un)rest Midsummer at “Otas”” was implemented as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. Financed by Liepāja State City, South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, and the Ministry of Culture. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, Jsc; its partner in legal matters SIA “Sorainen ZAB”, Ltd; its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd; alongside its maritime mobility and international communication partner SIA “Stena Line”, Ltd; The Foundation’s media partners are: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd; SIA “Tvnet grupa”, Ltd; and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.
Information prepared by:
Aija Birzniece
The representative of community
Kurmāle Parish, Kuldīga Municipality
