Hold onto your flower crowns and roll up your linen trousers – Perth is about to get gloriously muddy. On Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 3 pm, the Latvian Centre in Belmont becomes the wildest slice of Baltic summer traditions south of the equator. EstWest is teaming up with their Baltic besties for a midsummer celebration like no other. And this time, the main event isn’t just the bonfire. It’s MUD WRESTLING.
Yes, you read that right. Midsummer. In Perth. With an inflatable mud pool. Mostly intended for kids, but eager adults welcome.
This is NOT your average solstice gathering.
This is NOT a wellness retreat.
This is high-stakes, high-splash Baltic sportsmanship at its best.
🥋Calling all mud gladiators
Experienced wrestling champions and first-time flailers – this is your moment. Whether you’ve got serious grappling skills or just a fierce commitment to sliding with style, we want YOU in the ring (OK, technically it’s an inflatable pool, and it’s full of mud).
There’ll be prizes for the winners, eternal glory, and possibly a weird bruise you’ll have a great story to share about at work on Monday. And if you have international mud-wrestling referee experience – we want you too. Bonus points if you can whistle while dodging flying limbs and globs of earth.
To enter the ring, email info@estwest.org.au.
Once you’ve honoured your ancestors through full-contact sports, we’ve got you covered: on-site steamy sauna awaits. You can clean up, warm up, and reflect on your life choices while sweating in the company of other brave (and muddy) souls.
But wait – there is more!
This celebration isn’t just about flinging each other into dirt. It’s a whole evening of Baltic midsummer magic, inspired by ancient traditions that pre-date Christianity – and outlast hangovers. Expect:
- traditional folk dancing from the brilliant Pērkonītis
- bonfire lighting and (optional) flame-jumping (just like the ancestors… minus the fire safety inspectors)
- live entertainment and maybe a cheeky folk karaoke battle
- delicious Baltic cuisine and drinks that taste like Grandma’s kitchen and Dad’s liquor cabinet had a party
- plenty of pagan energy, even if it’s winter in Australia (just jump in the sauna – same vibe).
Across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; Jaanipäev, Jāņi, and Joninės are celebrations of light, love, nature and letting loose. Bonfires ward off evil spirits, flower crowns bring good fortune, and if you find seven flowers before sunrise, your dreams might just come true. (Although you’ll probably just find someone’s lost sock in the mud pit.)
A party for everyone
Whether you’re Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian – or just really into mud wrestling, folk songs, and flame-leaping fun – this is your kind of party. Everyone’s welcome, from culture enthusiasts to curious onlookers. Bring the kids, your dancing feet and a towel.
Event details
🗓️ Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025
🕒 Time: 3,00 PM – 11.00 PM
📍 Location: Latvian Centre, 60 Cleaver Tce, Belmont WA 2280
💰Tickets
Update (6 June): Thanks to a grant from the Office of Multicultural Interests of Western Australia, EstWest has been able to reduce ticket prices for their Midsummer event in Perth. Updated pricing is listed below.
Adults and seniors: $10
Children: free
If you’ve already purchased a ticket, no need to worry – your existing ticket is still valid, and you’ll automatically receive a refund for the difference. Read more here.
Book now: www.trybooking.com/DCBMO
Let’s keep the fire burning
Midsummer is about celebrating the light – or in Australia’s case, laughing through the darkness with good food, good company, and a few unexpected bruises. So come join us – it’s the kind of night you’ll tell your grandchildren about. Or at least explain to your dry cleaner.
See you ringside. Flower crowns optional. Elbow pads encouraged.
Read more
Keep an eye out for updates on the EstWest Facebook page.
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DCBMO
