A small Baltic state located in the Baltic has taken its rightful place among the countries actively developing tourism. Neighboring territories have long been attracting guests from Russia with a special seaside climate, a good level of service, and a rich excursion program.
With the arrival of summer, the holiday season begins. And although the residents of Jurmala celebrate the beginning of the tourist season on May 1st, the main flow of tourists starts moving closer to June. Holidays in Latvia in June provide good opportunities for a dignified and relaxing pastime.
Weather in Latvia in June
The real Latvian summer is still ahead, but in June the sun and warmth are increasing every day. The air temperature during the day can range from + 17 ° C (Ventspils) to + 21 ° C (Jurmala), the water temperature in the Baltic Sea is about + 17 ° C.
Sunbathing is already possible for almost everyone and everywhere, but the swimming season can be opened only by the most daring. By the way, locals start swimming in the sea only after June 23, when Ligo, the biggest pagan holiday in Latvia, is solemnly celebrated.
June holidays in Latvia
The most magical time is the night of June 23-24. But the holidays start the day before. The day before Ligo is called Green Day or Herbs Day. Harvested and dried herbs are believed to have the greatest power in healing and divination before June 23rd. The peak of the holiday comes at midnight, when everyone goes in search of a fern flower, which has the most magical properties.
In addition, all women with the name Liga celebrate name days on the eve of this holy day, and after it - representatives of the male half of Latvia, Janis (the same as Jan, Ivan among the Slavs).
Tourists who come to Latvia in May, unbeknownst to themselves, are drawn into the magical cycle of festive events. You can go round dances and sing along to Latvians (the repetition of "ligo-ligo" is found in almost every song), weave oak wreaths and jump over fire.
In addition to spiritual amusements, the Ligo holiday implies a rich table, on which there are national dishes and drinks, primarily cheese with caraway seeds and delicious homemade beer.
And one more magnificent sight awaits the tourist at the Ligo festival. This is a fire that is lit in a barrel and raised on a pole. Decorated with oak leaves and Laima crosses, the structure is erected on a nearby hill.
