How to make the most of Jāņi as a foreigner (solo traveler)?
Hello, I'll be there for a full week in June and I'll be there during Jāni.
I would like to enjoy an authentic experience while being respectful and unobtrusive. What are the best conditions to fully appreciate this festival? Is it better to go to the countryside or stay in Riga (or maybe a smaller town) ?
I've heard there was some traditional celebration in Dzegužkalns park and that might be my best option? But as a tourist will it be okay?
Also are the transport open during the night from the festival or they have the usual schedule?
Are there any better clothes to wear or customs to observe (I’ve read that saying “Līgo Līgo” is appreciated)? (Also I'm not sure how cold/hot it could get during the night in June in Latvia)
I will be traveling solo. I’m not the type to travel for clubbing, excessive drinking, or that kind of tourist behaviors. I usually try to focus on authentic experiences, and I would really love to find a way to discover your culture and traditions in the best possible way.
I know this is the most important festival in your culture (which I think is really cool, we should all celebrate the summer solstice as much as you do, instead of just celebrating the winter solstice at Christmas). Although I don’t know all the aspects of the celebration yet, I would love to fully soak in the atmosphere.
Also are there any songs you would recommend I listen to in order to get familiar with the festival, or things I could read or watch (books, films, fiction, documentaries)? I am already familiar with the songs Ozoliņi (the version by Auļi) and Danco Jani (the version by Tautumeitas), but I am not sure if these are truly traditional songs or if they are not necessarily fully representative.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!