Luulekesköö kirikus

It’s time for dances, poetry and midnight (un)spoken words in a church!

On June 6, 2025, “Dzejas pusnakts” will embark on its first journey beyond Latvia’s borders. With this event, “Dzejas pusnakts” makes its debut in Estonia, launching a new series of events in the neighboring country – an experience unlike anything witnessed here before. This special edition “Luulekesköö kirikus” (eng. Poetry Midnight in a Church) will unfold amidst the majestic ruins of Tartu Cathedral. The evening will feature performances by eight Estonian poets (Sveta Grigorjeva, Sanna Kartau, Riste Sofie Käär, Ellen Emilie Laaksonen, E. G. S., Susanna Mett, Carolina Pihelgas, Joonas Veelmaa), and music by the Phenomenal Latvian DJ duo (Krista Kaufmane and Gerda Roze Medne) where the spirit of freedom will merge with the open-air magic, and midnight words will entwine with the familiar, inviting summer, dreams, and enchantment to take hold.

“Dzejas pusnakts” is a unique event format that fuses the resonance of electronic music with the power of poetry. Its core mission is to create a platform where professional cultural figures and young audiences converge, while showcasing exceptional and unexpected cultural venues. Until now, Dzejas pusnakts has enlivened spaces in Riga, Latvia such as Āgenskalns Market, the Anglican Church, Riga Circus, and beyond. Within the atmospheric ruins of Tartu Cathedral, Estonian poets will deliver performances that blend the known with the enigmatic, weaving words into unforgettable forms. The musical program will delve into gothic sounds—new wave, post-punk, electronica, and more—amplifying not only the site's haunting beauty but also echoing themes of freedom, fate, wildness, divinity, pain, and splendor.

The event is brought to life by the organization “Dzejas pusnakts” in collaboration with the creators of the Estonian literary magazine “Värske Rõhk”. The event is held with the support of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.