Hi!
Today I wanted to share with you guys a Summer solstice celebration festival that happens on 23rd of June in Latvia. (If your first though is where the fuck is Latvia, then I ought to make a post of that later too)
In short Jāņi or "Liigo!", the night from June 23 to June 24 (in harmony with the summer solstice), when people participate in joyous festivities just as their ancestors did centuries ago.

The main goals are:

Eat, drink and be merry Jāņi is ideally celebrated in nature, making wreaths of oak leaves or wild flowers drinking beer and devouring copious amounts of caraway cheese – best if it is homemade. All around there is happening a sing-along - the enchanting Jāņi folk songs with the "Liigo!" They say Jāņi night is the only time of the year when one can see the mysterious and mythical fern flower. No one ever has but this is considered an excuse for couples to sneak away for some alone time in the woods

Last year

We celebrated near Latvian Harbor city of Ventspils and, honestly, this was one of the most amazing Midsummer celebrations I have ever had! Not only because the weather was amazeballs, but also because I had the opportunity to spend some really great quality time with my closest people and do some really cool and fun things together with them. Of course, we also continued some old Latvian traditions, we sung some folk songs, even sung about each other (something similar to a roast), danced and eat a lot (I mean, how can you not, if everything is so tasty?).

The evening was filled with many activities and we almost didn't even notice the sunrise. Sadly, the sunrise was a it disappointing since we were able to see only a narrow rosy line as the sky was filled with heavy clouds. Seeing sunset and sunrise in one day is another Latvian tradition. The last time I sit through whole night was years ago, therefore, I am happy that I stood till 5am :)

Sunrise:

Our bonfire:

Me with my girlfriend and the German shepherd pup Kate

Even caught a glimpse of a rainbow (gotta go looking for those Leprechauns )

Yes that is a legit Camaro in the background

If you ever decide to visit Latvia (one of the mighty Baltic states)

I suggest to do it in summer to experience all the country wide midsummer celebrations :)
Pic from celebration in Capital city Riga

Do you celebrate Midsummer/Summer Solstice or something similar in your country?