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Jani

Experience the magic of Jani, a Latvian festival filled with bonfires, traditional songs and dances, and delicious food to celebrate the summer solstice!

Wednesday

June 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJune 24

OBSERVED INLatvia

CATEGORYNames

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the longest day of the year with Jani, the Latvian festival honoring the summer solstice on June 24! This festival has been celebrated for centuries in Latvia, dating back to pagan times when people would gather to welcome the arrival of summer and celebrate new beginnings. It's a time for community, music, dancing, and traditional foods like honey cake and beer. The highlight of the festival is the lighting of bonfires, symbolizing the power of fire and its ability to ward off evil spirits. So mark your calendars and get ready for a joyous celebration of nature and new beginnings!

TIMELINE

Jani Timeline

Pagan Origins

The holiday, stemming from Latvia's pagan past, is celebrated by singing traditional songs, dancing and lighting bonfires to ward off evil spirits.

Multi-day Celebrations

Jani began to transform from a one-day celebration to a multi-day festival of song, dance, and food that lasts until dawn.

Soviet Era Celebrations

Despite Soviet attempts to suppress traditional holidays, Latvians continued to celebrate Jani discreetly as a symbol of national identity.

Revival Post Independence

Following Latvia's independence from the Soviet Union, the celebration of Jani saw a robust revival, reconnecting Latvians with their cultural heritage.

UNESCO Recognition

Jani rituals became recognised by the UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Jani

Attend a bonfire celebration

The centerpiece of Jani is the bonfire, which symbolizes the sun and its power. Attend a traditional bonfire celebration and join in on the festive atmosphere.

WEAR

Wear traditional Latvian clothing

Embrace the culture by wearing traditional Latvian clothing, such as the white linen shirts and flower crowns often worn during Jani celebrations.

MAKE

Make a flower wreath

Another important symbol of Jani is the flower wreath, which is worn on the head during celebrations. Gather some flowers and make your own wreath to wear and show off your creative skills.

TRY

Try traditional Latvian foods

No festival is complete without delicious food! Try traditional Latvian dishes such as caraway cheese, rye bread, and piragi (bacon buns) to fully immerse yourself in the Jani celebration.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in traditional folk dances

Folk dances are a big part of Jani celebrations. Join in on the fun by learning some traditional Latvian dances and dancing the night away with friends and family.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Jani

It's a time for community and togetherness

Jani is a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate. It's a chance to strengthen bonds, create new memories, and enjoy traditional Latvian food and music. In a busy world, this festival reminds us of the importance of community and connection.

It celebrates the longest day of the year

Jani is a traditional Latvian festival that celebrates the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It's a time to embrace the warmth and light of summer and mark the change in seasons with joy and celebration.

It's a time to connect with nature

Jani festivities often include traditional rituals and practices that honor nature, such as jumping over bonfires or making flower wreaths. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty and importance in our lives.

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