Midsummer in Lithuania

You might have heard about Lithuania being the last pagan country in Europe. You’ll see remnants of this past everywhere – from folk art to everyday traditions. But nowhere is it more evident than in the celebration of Midsummer (Joninės). On the shortest night of the year, you will find people gathering around huge bonfires, jumping over the fire for good luck, singing ageold songs, weaving flower crowns and even going on a quest for the mythical fern blossom (fun fact – ferns don’t actually bloom). And as it’s a national holiday and a dayoff, locals will happily spend the night outside partying and having a great time. No matter where you stay in Lithuania, there’s bound to be a celebration nearby, but for a 100% Midsummer experience, you could head to one of the following places: Verkiai Regional Park in Vilnius. The celebration there is as pagan and authentic as it can be. It’s not the biggest party but the experience you’ll get there is truly magical. Kernavė Archaeological Site. What better place to celebrate a pagan festival than Lithuania’s ancient capital? Jonava, the Lithuanian Midsummer capital. As the celebration goes by the name of St. John’s