To strengthen traditional culture, highlight local heritage, and promote international cooperation, the foundation “Liepāja 2027”, together with Liepāja’s Folk Art and Cultural Center and foreign partners, is launching one of the major projects of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” – “Northern Solstice”, which will be held on June 23, 2025, from 7:30 PM in Liepāja’s Jūrmalas Park and beach.
This year’s first “Northern Solstice” event will take place in Liepāja, serving as the initial step before expanding further over the next two years. The event is expected to spread beyond Liepāja, reaching the rural farms of South Kurzeme and Kuldīga districts.
The “Northern Solstice” festival will unite Latvian and Nordic Midsummer traditions, celebrating life and light, strengthening the cultural connection between the Baltic and Nordic regions.
Baiba Bartkeviča, the artistic director of Liepāja 2027, highlights the event’s significance: “This summer marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship with our Northern neighbors. These celebrations will allow us to view local traditions in a global context, while strengthening ties between communities in the Northern region. This year, we take the first step toward long-term cooperation – not only for the next two years but, hopefully, for many years to come.”
The festival program will feature guests from Lithuania, Belgium, Ireland, and Norway. Traditional Jāņi Night performances alongside European neighbors will pave the way for new traditions that foster cultural diversity and friendship across Europe.
Main Stage in Jūrmalas Park:
- 7:30 PM – Musician Ieva Tālberga and the group “Three Kurzeme Women” (Ieva, Magone, and Elīna) will set the mood by blending ancient Jāņi song sounds with ambient electronic music.
- 8:20 PM – Norwegian band “Gabba”: A fusion of traditional Sámi joik and world music, led by Joik master John André Eira, offering an authentic musical experience that entertains, inspires, and introduces the rich Sámi cultural heritage.
- 11:00 PM – 3:00 AM – Dance at the Jāņi Night Ball with bands “Klaidonis” and “4kw”.
Sun Ritual at Liepāja Beach (9:30 PM):
Throughout human history, the Sun has symbolized divine light and life. Many ancient civilizations celebrated the solar cycle as key moments in the rhythm of the year. Belgian musician Romina Lischka will unite these Sun-worship traditions across different cultures. Alongside artists from Ireland, Latvia, and Lithuania, she will create an interdisciplinary art performance during sunset at Liepāja Beach.
The performance will feature:
- Romina Lischka (vocals, viola da gamba – Belgium),
- Róisín Elsafty (vocals – Ireland),
- Laima Jansone (kokle – Latvia),
- Choreographers from IevaKrish (Lithuania, Latvia).
Closing Fire Ceremony:
After the festival, a fire-lighting ritual will honor the movement of the sun and the four elements – earth, air, water, and fire. Led by Ings Freibergs, a researcher of traditional culture, and the folk group “Ēdol’s Ķist” (led by Zane Jančevska), this ceremony is rooted in ancient wisdom, celebrating the rhythms of nature and the strength of Midsummer.
The collective fire-lighting will be accompanied by dedications and powerful songs, creating a shared moment of connection.
Everyone is welcome at this festival of light and friendship, bringing together families, culture lovers, passersby, and seekers of world music. Admission is free.
“Northern Solstice” is organised within the Liepāja 2027 program, in partnership with the Liepāja Folk Art and Cultural Center. The event is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Liepāja City Municipality. Lux Express, the largest bus transport company in the Baltic region, supports the festival.