Imanta’s annual Ligo celebration was a day of great fun, and will surely be remembered as one of the most eventful gatherings of Edmonton’s Latvian community. Over 70 attendees made the trek to the Rud0vics’ property at Lake Isle on June 27th, with guests coming from as far as Portland Oregon and Riga. It was a full day of wreath-making, fire-jumping, pierag tasting, and pig-roasting. Of course, there were many reunions of old friends and introductions of new members and visitors. Thanks to all who attended!

Some highlights:

It’s time to celebrate the summer solstice!

IMANTA invites you to their annual Līgo celebration at Lake Isle on Saturday, June 27th, anytime after 2pm (for a map, email imantaedmonton@gmail.com).

Jāņi is a traditional midsummer festival that marks the longest day and shortest night of the year.  Jāņi customs—which include much singing, dancing and merriment, as well as leaping over the fire and burning last Midsummer’s wreaths—are believed to bring the aid of good spirits into the home, barn, field, and forest.  As an old Līgo song says: “he who sleeps during Jāņi will sleep for the whole summer!” Kas gulēs Jāņu naktī, gulēs visu vasariņ!

Wreath-making will start at 3pm and some flowers will be provided, but please bring flowers and oak branches if you can. There will be piragi-tasting and cheese-tasting contests as well, and we hope for many entries as last year’s winner defends his title. We will provide roast pork, wieners, salads, rye bread, cheese, dessert and refreshments. Bring a lawnchair for your own use. There will be a bonfire later, weather permitting. Remember to bring your old wreaths to throw on the fire.