Naked runs for Midsummer: where, when, and with what rules this year
Several locations in Latvia will host traditional naked runs during the Jāņi festival, continuing ancient fertility and purification rituals. Jauns.lv has gathered details about events in Kuldīga, Pāle, and Vecpiebalga – their locations, times, and conditions.
Naked runs have become an integral part of Midsummer celebrations in Latvia. This year, they will take place in several locations, both in Kurzeme and Vidzeme.
History
The modern public naked run tradition was started by sculptor Ojārs Feldbergs, who organized the first such run in 1994 at the Pedvāle Open-Air Art Museum to mark the centenary of the International Olympic Committee. Initially, only men were allowed. In 2000, Kuldīga adopted the tradition, and since then the run across the brick bridge has been held annually. In 2013, a woman participated for the first time.
Kuldīga
In Kuldīga, the naked run traditionally takes place on Midsummer night at 3:00 AM. Participants start near the "Rezidence kafe" and run across the 164-meter vaulted brick bridge. The only allowed clothing is a Midsummer wreath or sauna hat on the head, while footwear is mandatory. The run is not officially organized – participation is voluntary, without any discrimination based on gender, age, or other factors.
Pāle
In Vidzeme, the naked run will occur on June 22 at midnight as part of the Livonian Summer Solstice Festival in Pāle, Limbaži Municipality. The distance is about 50 meters from an oak tree to the swimming area of Lake Pērļupīte. Registration begins at 23:50, participants bring towels to the finish at 23:55, undress at the oak at 23:57 (only wreaths and Midsummer herbs allowed), and start at midnight – women first, followed by men one minute later. At the finish, participants must run into the water and shout their name. The fastest woman and man receive freezers from Whirlpool. The event is organized by the folklore group "Malībieš" and the society "Make Art", with support from Pāle Parish Administration and Culture House.
Vecpiebalga
Meanwhile, in Vecpiebalga, the annual "Līgo Vecpiebalgā" festival on the shore of Lake Alauksts will take place on June 24 at 12:30 AM. This is a paid event, and unlike Kuldīga and Pāle, complete nudity is not allowed – participants must be at least partially clothed.
Why run naked?
Researchers note that nudity rituals during the solstice are linked to fertility, health, and purification. Ancient Latvians believed that bathing in dew or swimming naked on Midsummer morning would grant strength and beauty. They also thought that a naked person running around a field would bring a richer harvest.
