Celebrating St. John’s Day: Traditions, Music, and Holiday Spirit

Giving holidays to others

“For us, St. John’s Day is the most important and most Latvian holiday!” say sisters Katrīna and Lauma Dimantas, who have actually rarely had the chance to celebrate it in Latvia recently – for six years, the sisters have spent Christmas time outside of Latvia giving concerts, so the musicians are happy to be in Latvia this year because “Christmas time and Christmas songs bring a charge of energy every time”.

In recent years, the places where the Diamond sisters have celebrated have been almost diametrically opposite: Canada – the vicinity of Quebec and Toronto, as well as the USA, Brazil, and Australia. They have also been in Europe, England, etc. “It’s a cool holiday! Although in our own country, but still in Latvian moods. This year – well, if we have already released the St. John’s album, then we must finally stay in Latvia for the holidays!” Katrina explains with a laugh.

It’s winter in many places right now

As if you could think that there could not be big differences in the choice of venues for the celebration – Latvians are everywhere and remain Latvians – and surprisingly, it turns out that the main difference is… in the climate. “Yes, Latvians welcome everyone warmly and lovingly, and the biggest difference is that right now, when it’s hot and summer here, it’s winter in Brazil and Australia. They currently have the longest nights and shortest days of the year!” says Katrina. For example, in Brazil, it even happened that during the day you could still walk in shorts or a dress, but at night you had to look for a warmer jacket.

The traditions of Latvianness are kept very carefully by the local diasporas, for example in Brazil they have done a lot in this field, and the new generation diligently learns the language. Latvians are united in Australia as well. “Once upon a time [ārvalstīs] spoke Latvian and developed Latvi

How do Latvian diasporas in countries like Brazil and Australia uphold their Latvian traditions despite the geographical distance

“For us, St. John’s Day holds great significance as the most important Latvian holiday,” say sisters Katrīna and Lauma Dimantas. However, due to their international concert commitments, they have rarely had the opportunity to celebrate it in Latvia. After six years of spending Christmas time abroad, the musicians are thrilled to be in Latvia this year. They mention that Christmas time and Christmas songs fill them with energy.

Over the years, the Diamond sisters have celebrated St. John’s Day in various locations across the globe, from Canada to Brazil, the USA, and Australia. Despite being far from home, they always strive to create a Latvian atmosphere. This year, however, they are excited to finally spend the holidays in Latvia, especially since they have recently released the St. John’s album.

Interestingly, the main difference in celebrating St. John’s Day abroad lies in the climate. While Latvians warmly embrace their compatriots wherever they are, there is a stark contrast in weather conditions. While it may be hot and summery in Latvia, countries like Brazil and Australia experience winter during this time, with long nights and short days. In Brazil, for instance, it can be warm enough for shorts during the day but requires a warmer jacket at night.

Despite the geographical distance, Latvian diasporas in countries like Brazil and Australia diligently uphold their Latvian traditions. In Brazil, efforts have been made to preserve Latvian culture, with the younger generation actively learning the language. Similarly, Latvians in Australia remain united and connected to their roots.