Event Details
Joninės – Lithuania's Most Ancient Midsummer Celebration
On the night of 23 to 24 June 2027, Lithuania comes alive with bonfires, herb wreaths and age-old chants. Joninės, also known as Rasos šventė (the Dew Festival), is one of the oldest Baltic holidays, marking the summer solstice – the shortest night of the year. Since 1967, the most authentic celebration takes place at the Kernavė Archaeological Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site set on ancient hillforts above the Neris River. June 24 is an official public holiday in Lithuania.
Highlights
- Artisan market and culinary heritage fair in Kernavė from noon
- Kupoliavimas: guided gathering of sacred herbs in Pajauta Valley
- Wreath weaving, herb rituals and tea on Pilies Hill
- Ceremonial procession of folklore ensembles through Kernavė
- Lighting of the great bonfires and fire wheels on the hillforts at midnight
- Vainikų plukdymas: floating of wreaths down the Neris River
- Night dances and singing on Pilies Hill until dawn
- Greeting the sunrise and washing in the first morning dew (Rasa)
Programme (23–24 June 2027)
23 June from 12:00: The day begins with an artisan and culinary fair in the Kernavė alley, featuring potters, weavers, herbalists and keepers of Lithuanian food traditions. A photography exhibition on the Midsummer Night is also on display.
From 17:00, the Kupoliavimas herb-gathering ritual takes place in Pajauta Valley, led by an experienced herbalist. From 19:00, participants gather on Pilies Hill to weave herb wreaths, take part in folk charms and share herbal tea.
At 19:45, a ceremonial procession of folklore ensembles winds through the town. Ritual gates open at 20:00 at the foot of Pilies Hill, followed by circle dances, games and ensemble performances from 20:20. The sunset ceremony takes place at 21:40.
At 22:20, the sacred Aukuras fire is lit at the base of the Aukuras hillfort. At 23:00, the great bonfires and burning wheels are set alight on the hillforts – the dramatic centrepiece of the night. Night dances and singing continue from 23:20.
24 June at midnight: Wreaths are released onto the Neris River, while fires are lit on the riverbank and folklore concerts continue. At 03:00, participants leap over the bonfire on Pilies Hill. At 04:30, the rising sun is welcomed on Mindaugas Throne Hill and in Pajauta Valley: the traditional washing in the first dew of the new day – Rasa.
Admission
The Rasos šventė in Kernavė is a free public festival. No ticket is required. Trade on the site is coordinated by the Širvintos district municipality.
Visitor Tips
- Bring warm layers and sturdy footwear – nights on the dew-covered hillforts can be cool and damp.
- Kernavė is approximately 35 km northwest of Vilnius. A hire car or organised transfer is recommended, as public transport is limited at night.
- Those planning to stay for the full night should book accommodation in Kernavė or Širvintos well in advance – capacity is limited.
- Weave a herb wreath yourself during the Kupoliavimas ritual or buy one from local artisans.
- Food and drink stalls are available on site throughout the event.
- A head torch or small flashlight is useful for moving between the hillforts at night.
History & Significance
The roots of Rasos šventė stretch back to Baltic prehistory, with written records dating to the 14th century. Since 1967, Kernavė has hosted celebrations following archaic Baltic customs, reconstructed from historical, ethnographic and folklore sources. This revival, initiated by the Romuva movement, gave rise to Lithuania's folklore revival – a cultural force that contributed to the restoration of the country's independence. The Kernavė Archaeological Reserve has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.
