At the Winter Solstice, the Sun begins its journey towards spring, heralding the return of light, the renewal of nature, and the coming agricultural year. Across Latvia, the darkest period of winter has traditionally been celebrated with singing, dancing, fortune-telling, the ceremonial dragging of the Yule log, festive meals, and visits by masked mummers.

These mummers—known throughout Latvia by many regional names, including ķekatas, budēļi, kaļedas, and others—are among the most distinctive elements of Latvian intangible cultural heritage. Dressed in elaborate masks and costumes representing animals, mythical beings, and symbolic figures, they travel from place to place bringing blessings, fertility, prosperity, and laughter.

This year, the Winter Solstice mummers will once again fill the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum with music, dancing, and festive revelry, inviting visitors to experience one of Latvia’s most vibrant seasonal traditions.