On the eve of the summer solstice, on 18 June, we visited and honoured the Kaņepju Oak in Jērcēni Parish. The awarded title of Tree of the Year was confirmed by Ilze Ozola, project manager of the European Tree of the Year in Latvia competition, while Valmiera Theatre actor Ģirts Rāviņš dedicated songs to the oak.

For strength and endurance, guests enjoyed a drink made from the great oak's acorns, along with rye bread and honey.

The sun danced in the oak's crown. Thank you all for being together!

The Kaņepju Oak was entered into the competition by the association Esam Jērcēniem; the competition is organised in Latvia by the Forest Certification Council of Latvia and the Latvian Forest Owners' Association

Photographs by Annija Ratniece, Ilze Ozola and zemeunvalsts.lv