St John's night in Riga
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On St. John’s day in Latvia people have a festive they call “Ligo” or “Jani”. It lasts for three days. In this time houses get decorated with wreaths made of oak leaves, flowers and John’s grasses. (Janu zales). The main tradition is making a fire and jumping through it. Meanwhile, in the country there are other traditions such as the tradition of St. John’s guests going from house to house, dancing and singing, while householders treat them to the traditional Johnny cheese and beer. According not only to tradition, houses are decorated with oak leaves. Another popular St. John’s night tradition is looking for the fern flower, which is said to bring good luck for a life time to the one who finds it.
In Latvia June 23rd and 24th are days off on St. John's night celebration.
The St. John's night celebration will last from 5pm June 23rd to 5am June 24th. It will be held at 11 Novembra street in the Old Town between the Stone Bridge (Akmens Tilts) and the Rope Bridge (Vansu Tilts) with three stages for folk dances and songs.
on June 23rd and 24th people will be able to ride public transport (bus, tram and trolleybus) for free!
