Excursion through the Ventspils regions – “Spring Solstice. A journey of traditions.”
14.03.2026 - 12:40
On March 21, the Jūrkalne Community Center invites everyone to go on a special adventure – “Spring Solstice. A Journey of Traditions”. It will be a day when you can experience the arrival of spring by traveling through Ventspils region – from Pope Castle Hill to the seashore in Jūrkalne.
Together with the ethnographic ensemble "Maģie suiti" and the folklore group "Pūnika", the solstice celebrants will stop in eight parishes during the day. Each place will have its own event and spring ritual - there will be an opportunity to participate in creative workshops, paint eggs, participate in games, swing on a swing and taste some delicious treats. It will be a day where ancient traditions will meet with the joy of being together.
The journey will begin at 9 am at Pope Castle Mound. At 10 am, the solstice celebrants will gather at the Livonian Farm in Tārgale, at 11.30 am - in the Piltene Central Park, at 12.30 pm - in the garden of the old Zlēki parish house, at 14 pm - in Zirā at the parish office, and at 15.30 pm - in Zūra at the local history exhibition. At 17 pm, the road will lead to the Užava meeting house, while the day will end at 18 pm in Jūrkalne Ugunspļava, where the "Suitu dūdenieki" group will welcome guests. There, they will sing, dance and learn about the traditions of the spring solstice.
The journey will begin at 9 am at Pope Castle Mound. At 10 am, the solstice celebrants will gather at the Livonian Farm in Tārgale, at 11.30 am - in the Piltene Central Park, at 12.30 pm - in the garden of the old Zlēki parish house, at 14 pm - in Zirā at the parish office, and at 15.30 pm - in Zūra at the local history exhibition. At 17 pm, the road will lead to the Užava meeting house, while the day will end at 18 pm in Jūrkalne Ugunspļava, where the "Suitu dūdenieki" group will welcome guests. There, they will sing, dance and learn about the traditions of the spring solstice.
Everyone is invited to join the journey of traditions - at least at one stop or the entire route - and let the spring solstice mood fill the day.In Latvian tradition, the spring solstice is the victory of light over darkness and the moment of nature's awakening. In the past, people would go out into nature at this time, greet the sun, sing songs, and light bonfires to cleanse themselves and gain new strength. Today, it is also a time to stop, feel the rhythm of nature, and celebrate the arrival of spring with others.
