In modern times, bonfires are lit along the Baltic Sea coast at the end of August to symbolize the unity of the coastal people and to remind us of our history and cultural heritage. It is a sign that we care for the sea and nature, and that the bond with the sea, which has lasted for thousands of years, has not been lost. The fires are also lit in memory of those who have forever remained in the embrace of the sea.
Traditionally, on the last Saturday of August, participants and guests gather on Pāvilosta beach by Āķagals to celebrate the end of summer and mark the Night of the Ancient Fire. This event has become an inseparable tradition of the local community, bringing visitors together by the sea to enjoy the evening atmosphere and the special spirit of the occasion.
The event begins at 20:30. The musical mood will be set by the band Rudra Beat, while the evening will be made special by an impressive fire sculpture by artist Zigmunds Viļņis, created around this year’s theme ‘Metamorphosis.’ Fiery cocktails will be provided by the bartender of Otto Hotel & Sun.
From 18:00, visitors will be able to join guided tours, listening to stories and legends about the coastal history and life. There will be demonstrations of blacksmithing and jewelry making, opportunities to try archery, and to take part in creative workshops (both paid and free activities will be available).
Delicious meals will be provided by Bus Bruno, while local producers and artisans will offer their goods at the market.
At the end of the evening, visitors are invited to experience the peace of the coast and a sense of togetherness during the torchlight procession and the ritual of lighting the bonfire.
At 19:00, next to the sports field of the recreation complex Draudzība, one of the brightest cultural events of the summer in Dienvidkurzeme will take place — ‘The Night of the Ancient Fire Singing Together in Bernāti’, where song, fire, and the sea will unite in a special festive atmosphere.
The concert will feature 19 choirs and vocal ensembles, as well as five folklore groups and ethnographic ensembles, performing beloved songs from the Latvian popular repertoire.
ON THE BEACH BY THE GUEST HOUSE "LAIKAS"
At 20:00, the Night of the Ancient Fire event will take place at the Laikas campsite together with the children of Austra. Bring a good mood and a small treat for the communal feast – the hosts will provide peppermint tea!
The earliest written records of sending messages using fire in the Baltic Sea region date back to the Viking Age. At that time, a unified surveillance system operated along the coast near shipping routes, extending from the open sea to inland areas. Each coastal village was required to contribute a specific role in lighting and maintaining the beacons. Failure to pass on messages was met with severe penalties.
The revival of the ancient fire tradition was initiated by the Cultural Board of Turku County in Finland. In 1992, the first bonfires were lit in the southern archipelago islands, and a year later, bonfires were also lit in several coastal villages of Estonia. The evening of lighting these ancient fires came to be called the Night of the Ancient Fire. Today, the main purpose of lighting the bonfires is to promote unity among the Baltic Sea countries, preserve cultural heritage, foster interest in regional and cross-border connections, and emphasize the need for cooperation.
Since then, bonfires have been lit every year on the last Saturday of August at 20:30 Finnish time. On this evening, the chain of fires across the Gulf of Finland and the Åland Islands even extends to Sweden. Bonfires are also lit along certain coasts of Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Denmark, as well as along inland waters in Estonia.
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