Jāņi dates back to Latvia’s pre-Christian era, rooted in pagan beliefs that honored the sun, fertility, and the cycles of nature. The festival marks the summer solstice, when the sun reaches its peak power, symbolizing life, growth, and abundance. For Latvians, this was a sacred time to connect with the earth and each other.
Even with the spread of Christianity, Jāņi retained its pagan essence. The festival has evolved over the centuries but remains deeply tied to ancient rituals and symbols, such as fire, greenery, and songs.

1. Lighting the Bonfire
At the heart of Jāņi is the bonfire, a blazing beacon that symbolizes the sun’s energy and serves as a gathering point for festivities. It is believed that jumping over the bonfire brings good luck, drives away evil spirits, and ensures a prosperous year. Families and friends often stay up all night by the fire, singing and celebrating until dawn.
2. Wreaths and Greenery
Jāņi is a feast for the senses, with greenery and flowers playing a central role. Participants craft oak leaf wreaths for men and flower crowns for women, each imbued with symbolism. Oak leaves represent strength and resilience, while flowers symbolize beauty and vitality.
Homes, barns, and even livestock are adorned with garlands of leaves and grasses to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings.
3. Singing Traditional Songs
No Jāņi celebration is complete without dainas, the traditional Latvian folk songs. These short, poetic verses are sung throughout the night, often in call-and-response style. Many of these songs celebrate nature, love, and the joy of midsummer.
4. Searching for the Fern Blossom
One of Jāņi’s most enchanting legends is the search for the fern blossom, a mythical flower said to bloom only on this magical night. Though finding it is believed to bring wealth and happiness, the real joy lies in the adventure itself, as couples and friends venture into the forest under the moonlight.

Jāņi is as much about food as it is about fire and folklore. The traditional Jāņi menu features hearty, rustic dishes that showcase Latvia’s culinary heritage:

• Jāņu Siers (Midsummer Cheese): A soft cheese flavored with caraway seeds, a must-have for every table.
• Beer: Brewed locally or homemade, beer is the festival’s iconic drink, symbolizing prosperity.
• Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Open-fire cooking is a highlight, with sausages, pork, and fresh produce taking center stage.
• Homemade Bread and Pastries: Baked goods add a touch of sweetness to the savory spread.

While Jāņi remains steeped in tradition, it has also adapted to modern life. City squares host public celebrations with concerts, folk dancing, and community bonfires, bringing the magic of Jāņi to urban dwellers. Meanwhile, rural areas continue to uphold the intimate, nature-centric rituals that define the festival’s spirit.

Jāņi transcends religious and generational boundaries, uniting Latvians around the world. For those who live abroad, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, often by recreating Jāņi traditions wherever they are.

Jāņi is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of Latvia’s deep connection to nature, heritage, and community. It reminds Latvians to pause and appreciate the beauty of the world around them, to honor their ancestors, and to look forward to a bright future.

For visitors, experiencing Jāņi offers a glimpse into the soul of Latvia—a country that finds magic in the simplicity of fire, song, and the enduring rhythm of the seasons.

If you find yourself in Latvia on Jāņi, don’t miss the chance to join this unforgettable celebration. Gather around the bonfire, don a flower crown, and sing the night away under the midsummer sky. Whether you’re Latvian by birth or by heart, Jāņi invites you to share in its timeless joy.
Because on this magical night, when the sun barely sets and the world feels alive with possibility, everyone is part of the Jāņi spirit.