June 20, 2025
Midsummer in Riga
Midsummer in Riga
Met this Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as a French Mastiff, yesterday at the lively Ägenskalns Market in Riga’s Pārdaugava district. This year, Charlotte and I are skipping traditional Swedish Midsummer celebrations – no maypole dancing, no flower crowns, no pickled herring, no schnapps in sight. Latvians do celebrate their version of the solstice, called “Jāņi” on June 23–24 – a pagan affair related to our Swedish Midsummer tradition. But even that, we’re sitting out.
2025 has already thrown plenty our way, and it’s only June. So we’re choosing a quieter kind of celebration – Riga-style – with cobblestone walks and slow, soulful mornings. That said, we do wish all friends and family a happy Midsummer, however, wherever and whoever you celebrate it with! ☀️
