This year I finally got to join Eriks' family and Latvian friends in the celebration of Jāņi, or John's Day, a Latvian national holiday that takes place around the summer solstice. Though Eriks was unable to make it this year, I went with his brother, sister, and dad, and joined the group of about 50 people at the Kurmis' lakeside cabin for the weekend event. I was amazed at how traditional it was, between the eating Jāņu cheese, homemade rye bread, and pirogi; singing of Latvian folk songs and listening to the history of John's Day from Britta's great-aunt; sitting around bonfires and jumping over them; and picking wildflowers to make crowns (vinjas) for the women and oak leaf crowns for men named "John" in honor of their name day. Below are some pictures from the fun weekend! Enjoy & happy John's Day!
My contribution to the dessert table: Latvian honey cake
Blog post HERE
