Jāņi is one of the most significant and widely beloved holidays in Latvia. The holiday is associated with the summer solstice, the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Celebrations start on the eve of Jāņi, on June 23, and continues on the actual day, June 24. The holiday represents the fusion of nature and folklore and is named after John the Baptist or St John's Day.
During Jāņi, Latvians come together to perform age-old rituals that date back to pagan times. One of the main traditions is lighting the bonfire, which is believed to provide magical protection from evil. People gather around the fire, sing traditional Jāņi songs and dance until dawn. The holiday atmosphere is filled with potent locally brewed beer and cheese which is specially made for this occasion.
Another important Jāņi tradition is the crowning of oneself with a wreath made from oak leaves (for men) or meadow flowers (for women). This is done to gain strength and fertility from nature’s energy. One of the favorite activities during Jāņi is to search for the mythical fern blossom at midnight. This holiday is an embodiment of Latvian identity and highlights their deep respect and love for nature.