Latvian Radio marks summer solstice with day-long singalong

Take note – story published 5 years ago

On June 21, Latvian Radio 2 is playing midsummer songs as performed by choirs across Latvia and the world.

The event, titled "The century's longest Līgo song" marks the astronomical solstice and the days before Jāņi/Midsummer. "Līgo" is a refrain heard in these songs. 

The songs are appearing on Latvian Radio 2 once every 30 minutes. Below is a map you can click to learn more about the folk ensembles singing throughout the day, and there are photos, too. 

Jāņi (Midsummer) is the quintessential Latvian celebration marking the summer solstice. Cheese, beer and grilled meat is consumed in copious amounts throughout the country, with bonfires popping up everywhere and police stepping up breathalyzer tests on the roads. This year, June 23-24 falls on the weekend. 

Gadsimta garākā līgodziesma 2023

 

If you want to be part of the choir yourself, the radio station is also inviting people to assemble outside its headquarters in Dome square, Rīga at 10 p.m. this evening to form a "flashmob choir" to sing in the solstice - see the video clip below!

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