Riga, Latvia
Sunset on the longest day of the year: 10:22 p.m.
Hours of sunlight: 17 hours, 52 minutes
Jani, the summer solstice, is so popular in Riga that the city takes three days to salute this light mystery. Musicians from all over the world come to Mezaparks to offer modern takes on this ancient celebration of nature and fertility, while dancers perform "Lec, Saulte!" or "Rise, Fair Sun!" The beer flows, and caraway cheese and smoked foods are on hand as craftspeople ply their wooden items, knitwear, and tabletop games. The sauna, integral to ancient solstice celebrations, is also part of the festivities. It all ends in an all-night ball, which begins at 1 a.m. -- two days later.
