Maruta's Midsummer Celebrations in Latvia

Meet Maruta, the Senior Community & Brand Manager here at By Rotation. As a proud Latvian, she brings a personal touch to our guide on celebrating Midsummer, a time for nature, joy, and community.

From floral crowns to festive looks, discover how to embrace the season the By Rotation way.

Scroll for Maruta's guide and what she has rented for the occasion.

Introduce yourself...
I started working with Eshita, our Founder & CEO, back in 2019, just before we launched the app! I'm originally from Latvia and have been living in London for almost six years now.

What is Midsummer?
Midsummer is one of the most magical nights of the year - it’s such a beautiful blend of nature, tradition, and community!

It marks the summer solstice (the shortest night of the year) and is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Latvia, rooted in ancient pagan traditions. It's celebrated by spending the festivities with family or friends and is all about connecting with nature.

Latvians are naturally very sustainably minded, so Midsummer also serves as a reminder to appreciate our beautiful nature and the importance of caring for the planet that our ancestors have treasured for centuries.

How are you celebrating Midsummer this year?

Every year, just like this year, I’m heading to the Latvian countryside to celebrate with all of my friends. The festivities last for two days: the first day is mostly about preparing for the summer solstice - gathering wildflowers, preparing our traditional food, and setting up the bonfire.

The second night is the actual celebration! You have to stay up all night and wait for the sunrise, so it’s actually a really long day, but it’s super fun!

What traditions do you repeat every year without fail?
There are so many traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. I’d say making a flower crown for the celebrations is definitely a must! We gather wildflowers from local meadows and forests - every flower has a meaning in your crown. For example, a daisy symbolizes love, and particular tree leaves are included for protection against the evil eye.

We also wear our traditional costumes, dance and sing folk songs, and jump over the bonfire. If you last until sunrise, we always go wild swimming at dawn. This tradition is believed to be linked to sacred and powerful waters that offer health. It’s a very magical night, and you definitely feel connected to nature!

What are your top three recommendations of things to do in Latvia during the Summer?
There are so many incredible things and places to see in Latvia, it’s such a hidden gem. I hope more people will visit and experience the country.

If you’re in Riga, I’d recommend exploring Āgenskalns Market, and be sure to stop by my mum’s flower store @naktsvijole.florist there too! Also, explore the Art Nouveau district and stop for wine and small plates at Truffle Le Pig.

In the countryside, visit Pavāru Māja in Līgatne. It’s a Michelin Green Star restaurant, where produce is sourced seasonally and sustainably from local farmers.

Definitely visit a beach, my favourite is Gausā Jūdze, just after Ragaciems. The forest and beach there are incredible. You can also discover all the old fisherman villages along the way.

What will you be renting for your trip to Latvia?
On Midsummer day, we usually wear our traditional dress and jewellery, but if I weren’t wearing that, light linen dresses would be perfect too!

For the other days, I’m renting a Réalisation Par dress from @karenannas’s wardrobe, for when heading to the countryside. For Midsummer morning, I’ve rented a linen embroidered Sleeper set, as well as a Lulu Guinness bird’s nest bag!

Head to the app now to rent your outfit for your next occasion.