Immerse yourself in the heart of Lithuania’s Midsummer Festival, an enchanting celebration that brings centuries-old traditions to life to mark the summer solstice.
The Midsummer Festival, or Joninės, is among the most magical celebrations for Lithuanians. It’s usually celebrated from June 23rd to June 24th, marking the summer solstice — the year’s shortest night. It’s believed that during this time, the power of nature is at its peak, and communities come together to celebrate fertility, light, and renewal.
In this article, we explore how Lithuania’s Midsummer Festival embodies the essence of Lithuanian culture.
Lithuania’s Midsummer Festival celebrated for millennia
The celebration of Jonines dates back to Lithuania’s pre-Christian era. It has been renamed Jonines today, but the day’s local names are Rasos or Kupoles. Rasos translates to the Dew Festival because Lithuanians would wash their faces with descended mist or dew on the morning of this day. The other name, Kupoles, comes from the herbs they would ritualistically collect on this day.
Summer solstice celebrations were part of the pagan calendar and deeply connected to the cycles of nature. When the nation converted to Christianity in the late 14th Century, it retained these celebrations since they were an essential part of its culture. The day was renamed to honor St. John the Baptist, known as St. John’s Day. Still, the festival’s pagan roots are alive, and the locals perform rituals tied to fertility, agriculture, and nature.
How Lithuania’s midsummer festival celebrates the summer solstice
Lithuanians welcome the summer and its nature spirits by performing rituals centered on nature and purification. On the morning of Jonines, they first wash their faces with the morning dew, collect various herbs, and make garlands and crowns using flowers and herbs. Collecting herbs and flowers is called ku poliravimas, and the plants were thought to hold magical properties, especially when picked in the morning while covered in dew.
Traditionally, unmarried women would use these garlands to predict their future. They would throw their crowns over their heads onto tree branches, and the number of tries it took to hook them would determine the number of years before they married. They would also float them on the lake or rivers; if two wreaths intertwined, you would marry soon.
Other rituals include searching for the elusive fern flower. Old tales say that this flower only blooms on the eve of the festival, and young couples venture into the forest to search for it. Whoever finds it will gain wealth, luck, and happiness. They will probably not find it, but it adds a sense of adventure to the night.
Another fantastic ritual is the bonfire lit at the highest point in the village. Lithuanians gather around the fires, singing and dancing until sunrise. You can also jump over it; doing it with your partner brings good health and luck to your marriage.
Best places to experience Jonines
Efforts to revive the Midsummer Festival the old way intensified in the early 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, they began reintroducing old traditions and held big festivals on Rambynas Hills in western Lithuania. The celebrations attracted people from all over, including Kaunas, the country’s former capital.
Today, the best places to witness the celebrations include:
- Kernavė: This city hosts the biggest Jonines celebrations, which feature bonfires, folk music, dances, charms, and garlands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set against the picturesque Neris River.
- Trakai: This is another beautiful location for the Jonines celebration. The historic castles and serene lakes provide a backdrop for water-based rituals and bonfires along the shores.
- Vilnius: Lithuania’s capital is another fantastic Midsummer Festival destination. You can join the locals in Vingis Park or along the shores of Neris River and enjoy the old tradition with a modern vibe.
Foods and drinks to enjoy in Lithuania
This festival is incomplete without Lithuanian cuisine. Some of the popular foods to enjoy include:
- Šašlykai: Marinated pork skewers grilled over an open fire are a favorite meal for outdoor gatherings and celebrations.
- Kibinai: Kibinai is a popular traditional food from the Kiraite minority. It consists of a pastry filled with beef or lamb.
- Kepta duona: This is deep-fried black bread you can take while enjoying the bonfire aura. Usually served with garlic and cheese, it’s a popular beer snack.
Speaking of beverages, there is Lithuanian craft beer, rye bread kvass (gira), honey-based mead, fermented birch sap, and more. Many Lithunians also enjoy homemade fruit wines and herbal teas made from local herbs, which are believed to have special powers.
Lithuania: A land of rich traditions and natural beauty
Lithuania is a scenic country nestled in the heart of the Baltic, where you can immerse yourself in nature, history, and culture. Jonine or Kopule is one of these cultural festivals that capture the spirit of the Lithuanians. Whether in the ancient capital of Kernave, the scenic Trakai, or modern Vilnius, you can join these celebrations rooted in history and nature.
But if you miss the Midsummer Festival, you can join other unique festivals in Lithuania like Užgavėnės (Late winter), Rudens Lygiadienis (September), Šv. Velykos (Easter), Zoline (Mid-August), and more.
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
