Bonfires, endless singing, dancing! Known as Jaanipäev, Jāņi, or Joninės, the longest day of the year is a cherished Baltic tradition, and the Toronto Latvian Pensioners’ Association (TLPA) is excited to embrace it.

“You can’t celebrate Midsummer from your couch on Zoom,” notes Irisa Purene, the director of this year’s TLPA celebration. “Bring your friends and come join us!”

Festival feast and celebrations

The TLPA will celebrate Midsummer on Thursday, June 20, at the Toronto Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre with a sumptuous meal, joyous Līgo songs and melodies by the TLPA choir.

“We’ll sing about summer, Jāņi, beer, saunas, and love,” says Purene, pointing to essential themes in Baltic culture. “In Estonian folklore, Koit (Dawn) kisses Hamarik (Dusk) on Midsummer’s Eve. Love is in the air.”

The event will be conducted in both English and Latvian. A traditional Midsummer feast will include sausages, sauerkraut, Jāņi cheese, water klinger, potato salad and a special dessert.

12:00 PM – Midsummer Feast. $20 for members, $25 for friends. Register with Maruta Freimuts by June 16 at 416-233-9552 ormfreimuts@gmail.com.
1:00 PM – Midsummer Celebrations
TLPA’s fall programming will resume on September 12.

Mara Gulens / TLPA

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