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The Mid Summer Holiday called Jani Day or LIGO is Latvia's biggest holiday of the year and from about 3 PM on 23rd things start closing and will not reopen to about 2 PM on 24th
Many things will stay closed all day on 24th as well.
This is mainly a family and friend type holiday with everyone retreating to the countryside to swim in the lake, BBQ and dance around the bonfire until the first light of the new day on 24th June.
In Riga, there will be open air markets in Old Riga Dome Square on the several days before the 23rd andthen LIGO night-time activities at the LIDO Center on Krasta Boulevard.
LIGO Day or Jani day (Jani is a man name - John). The actual celebration is the night of 23 June.
LIGO or Jani Day is the annual Latvian celebration of the Summer Solstice which marks the longest day of the year and is celebrated on Midsummer's Eve.
It is an ancient practice which dates back to pre-Christian times and has many rituals that are closely associated with nature and the hope for a good harvest in the autumn.
It is a time to be with friends, family and loved ones and is usually celebrated with a big meal during the day before heading out to one of the many public parties which involve traditional dances and more eating, drinking and singing.
Bonfires are also lit which is a ritual that links back to the old tradition of cleansing and warding off evil spirits.
Planning, shopping actually starts about a week in advance and involves deciding where to go, who to go with and what to take along. Traditional Jani day foods include a special cheese made with Caraway seeds - it appears only at this time of year.
Around mid day on the 23rd normal activity stops and everyone rushes to their chosen location. First for a dip in the lake and then to start a bonfire, eventually east their choices, sing along and duck for cover as it ALWAYS rains on the night. Lots of beer until the wee hours of the morning and than finely drop where you are for a few hours sleep. Life on the 24th gets started only about 1 Pm or maybe even later and its slow moving all day long.
Its not really a day for the family, its more a day to be with friends which of course includes family.
One legend in Latvia is around the in Latvia is the mythical blooming fern, which, opens its magic golden flower only on Midsummer Eve. Midsummer Eve is a magic night when one may meet Mother Laima (Fortune) herself and Dieviņš walking, see money drying, and if very lucky - find the blooming fern flower.
In Riga, join daytime celebrations in Old Town - Dome's square and in the evening at the LIDO Recreation Center on Krasta Avenue. In Jurmala a beach party at the Baltic Beach Hotel. Other cities will have a public event, contact the tourist office in each city or ask your hotel front desk.
RIGA, June 20 (LETA) - Today, the traditional Midsummer Fair is under way on Old Town Riga's Dome Square featuring song and dance performances by folklore groups, choirs and dance groups, LETA was informed by Riga City Council Culture Department's press secretary Annija Senakola.
Senakola informed that more than 300 merchants will participate in the fair and will sell flowers, herbal teas, birch besoms, oak leaf and flowers crowns, caraway cheese, fish, honey, traditional bread and delicacies. Craftsmen will offer ceramic and linen articles, wooden spoons, jewelry and other goods.
Apart from the annual fair on the square, an event celebrating the coming of summer solstice will be organized also in the courtyard of Riga Castle, where concerts, cheese-making, Medieval style food preparation and tasting, as well as trading will take place.
Starting from today, through June 21, the traditional event “Solstice Fires on Riga’s Hills” will continue the summer solstice tradition, started in previous years to illuminate a number of hills in Riga – Tornakalns, Agenskalns, Grizinkalns and Ciekurkalns. Events celebrating the coming of Midsummer holiday will be organized also in Bastejkalns and Dzeguzkalns.
The events, celebrating the coming of Midsummer holiday in Riga are organized by Riga City Council Culture Department.
For the brave at heart, try the traditional jump over the bonfire
U.S. F-15 Fighter Jets to Fly Over Riga during City Celebrations
Riga, August 20, 2009. - On Saturday, August 22, the United States will send special greetings to Riga on the occasion of its 808th birthday – two United States Air Force F-15 fighter jets will fly over the city. The flyover will take place at 12.00 p.m. above the Daugava River. The flyover will be conducted by pilots and aircraft from the U.S. Air Force Europe’s 493th Squadron. The lead pilot in the flyover has previously flown in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.
The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter jet. F-15 aircraft served in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm, where they proved their superior combat capability. They have since been deployed for air expeditionary force deployments and operations Southern Watch (no-fly zone in Southern Iraq), Provide Comfort in Turkey, Allied Force in Bosnia, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. For more information on F-15 fighter jets, please see:
More than 40 classes for all ages and knowledge levels; Professional instructors from all over the world; Fantastic shows; Live Salsa Orchestra; Salsa boat trip; Memorable four night parties; Grand Salsa Dancing on open-air stage; Special offer for begginers; Jack and Jill competition It takes place in the "heart" of Riga - Early Bird discounts available - see information below
In the year 2000 Salsa was established in Latvia by Dance centre “Nianse”. At the moment we are students and representatives of various professions in our showgroup, but we all love dancing. Our aim is to introduce people with loveliness and joy of these dances.
Our Motto – We take dances seriously, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t dance with joy and inspiration.
ARE YOU READY for the most PASSIONATE and MEMORABLY THRILLING emotions in life of SALSA? If so, then friendly Riga invites you to 6th LATVIA SALSA FESTIVAL, which is happening during Riga City Celebration from 21st - 23rd August! Double celebration, double fun and emotions ALL 4 days long!!!
Some unquestionable reasons why to come to Riga! Live Salsa Orchestra, Spectacularly shows & performances The Best Salsa bout trip with dancing and percussion during sundown Really extraordinary Vanilla Sunset Party - you will taste unseasoned charm of industrial environment! Memorable night events with dancing till sunrises Grand Salsa dancing on open-air stage, Really hot Jack & Jill competition Workshops for kids Special offer and interesting program for beginners. Located in the heart of Riga Which has been here already - are coming back again and again !!! Workshops with professional instructors from all over the world.
Workshops for all ages and knowledge levels - Salsa Cuban style, Rueda de Casino, Trio Salsa (1 man & 2 ladies or 2 men & 1 lady), Salsa L.A., Salsa NY, Lady & Men Styling, Bachata, Cha-cha-cha, Son, Reggaeton, Timing and many more workshops, which will improve your body movement...
This event will sell out fast! So, buy your passes today !!! for more information: contact Dance Centre NIANSE Special offers ! Full Pass -Includes entrance to all daytime workshops and evening parties € 100, - before 15th July € 110, - before 15th August € 115, - after 16th August
Saturday Only Pass (Includes entrance to the daytime workshops + Grand Salsa party on Saturday 22th August € 65, - before 15th July € 70, - before 15th August € 75, - after 16th August
Sunday Only Pass (Includes entrance to the daytime workshops + afterparty on Sunday 23th August € 45, - before 15th July € 50, - before 15th August € 55, - after 16th August
Weekend Evening Party Pass - Includes entrance to the Salsa Parties on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights € 25, - before 15th July € 27, - before 15th August € 31, - after 16th August
SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR BEGINNERS Full pass - € 50, ( Includes entrance to all daytime workshops and evening parties)
SPECIAL OFFER FOR GROUPS for each 10 tickets you will receive 1 full pass for free+ for each 20 tickets you will receive 2 full passes for free + double room in Reval Hotel Latvia for free (the same building where festival will happen) !!!
SPECIAL OFFER FOR HOTEL € 70, for double room per day in Reval Hotel Latvia - the best choise for the best Price only for participants of Latvia Salsa Festival
ARE YOU A BRIT LIVING ABROAD BUT THINKING ABOUT COMING HOME TO THE UK?
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS?
ITV1 are making the second series of ‘No Place Like Home?’ about British Ex-Pats who are considering moving back to the UK.
We’re keen to hear from Brits who are living abroad, but who are now thinking about returning permanently to Britain.
Perhaps you miss your family and friends, maybe you are struggling with the language, or very simply you yearn for a bit of British culture.
However, it’s not an easy decision – what if you make a mistake?
You’ll be flown back to the UK and given the opportunity to ‘test-drive’ the reality of living in the UK.
Relocation expert Catherine Gee will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to remain an expat or come home for good.
If this sounds like you, or anyone you know, we’d love to hear from you as soon as possible!
