Līgo and Jāņi is ideally celebrated in nature, making garlands of oak leaves or wild flowers, going to the sauna, drinking beer and devouring copious amounts of caraway cheese - best if homemade. The entire proceedings are serenaded by a sing-along - the enchanting Jāņi folk songs with the "Līgo!" refrain.
Jāņi was originally a festival for pagan farmers that existed long before the arrival of Christianity and the traditions of the festival remain immensely popular to this day.
Latvians often say "līst kā pa Jāņiem" (it’s raining as if it were Jāņi) since the weather on Jāņi night is usually not the most pleasant. Weather during Līgo and Jāņi celebration can surprise!
This, however, is never an obstacle for the celebration. Be it a sunny day, or raining cats and dogs Latvians always celebrate at their rural homesteads, or go to an open-air party to dance, sing and be together in good company.