On Saturday, June 23 Latvia will celebrate Midsummer night (Ligo) – BNN would like tell you about the largest events in the capital and in the rest of Latvian regions. Anyone can consult these proposals, if  they have no plans for Midsummer celebrations.

Riga:

14:00 – 19:00, LIDO Leisure Center will have Midsummer events. Event hosts – popular Latvian actors. The events will include children’s dance performances as well as performances of teenagers and several Latvian folklore groups.

17:00 – 05:00, Midsummer celebrations on the shore. Three stages with song and dance performances. In accordance with the now national tradition Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls performs live. Among other notable performers are: ceremonial orchestra, choirs and national dance ensembles and Latvian popular music performers.

20:00 – 05:00, traditional Midsummer night celebration in Dzeguzkalns. Celebrations are st to be kicked off by Zemgale young people Tarkski folklore association. Guests and participants include ensembles from cities all over Latvia, as well as dancers from Vilnius and Tartu.

Jurmala:

22:00, Melluzu Stage hosts Midsummer ball with guest starring Resgali and Tu La’ Mors groups.

Aluksne:

19:00, Pilssalas Stage welcomes performers: Rojam Santa Zapacka and Harijs Ozols, Musiqq, singing actors of Valmiera theatre, Zerari, Candy, Otra puse and A-Tomiņš. Event not free of charge.

Sigulda:

A modern chanting of the shortest night of Summer Solstice will take place on the Celebration Square. Latvian performers will participate in the event. Anyone will be allowed to take part in ancient rituals to ask for strength to live through the coming years.

Balvi:

18:00, Zakusala, Midsummer celebration will take place on the Peninsula near the Daugava Livani. Events scheduled to be divided in several smaller events, fit for visitors of any age. Visitors will have the chance to listen to popular Latvian performers. The Great Midsummer bonfire will be lit according to Latgalian tradition. Entry fees expected.

Rezekne:

23:00 – Merry Solstice green ball in the Rezekne City Culture and Leisure Park. The shortest night of the year spent listening to the most popular Latvian actors and singers. More than 100 performers will participate in the concert – singers, dancers and actors. Entry fees expected.

Daugavpils:

20:00, Midsummer celebrations at the Stropu Stage – folklore music and dances for everyone! The most creative Latvian Culture Center groups: national music ensembles, dance groups, children’s dance groups and others.

23:00, Great bonfire burning, and sunrise celebration in disco rhythms till 04:00.

Saldus:

Great Midsummer celebration concert will take place at Saldus Kalnseta Garden Stage: presentation of a new musical comedy, great National singing, Raimond Pauls duets and midsummer night ball – all to take place there. Entrance fees expected.

19:00, Open-air premiere of the Money Tree musical comedy.

At 21:00, starts the great folk singing lead by chief conductor Ivars Cinkuss lead with Saldus choir participation and recognizable people of Saldus. Favorite Latvian songs will be performed (so don’t miss it). Special guest Laurie Wood will perform the quintuple of the most beautiful Chicago songs.

22:00, Raimond Pauls’ duets perform their newest concert programs: especially Veronika Plotnikova and Marts Kristians Kalnins accompanied by the musicians of the Autobuss Debesīs (Bus to the skies) group.

23:00, Midsummer ball, with the performance of Autobuss Debesīs, kapela Bumerangs (Boomerang chapel) and DJ Japanese (DJ Japānis). The ball is expected to go until sunrise at 04:00.

Liepaja:

20:00, Midsummer celebrations in Liepaja. Program: theatrical performances based on the works of Latvian writers at the Liepaja National Theatre, Midsummer folk song at the Rucava rural chapel; Midsummer night ball with Latvian singers as special guests. Entrance fees expected, Travelnews.lv reports.

Ref: 102.109.109.2160