This week, people all around the world will be celebrating one of the most anticipated events of the year–the summer solstice. The sun is at its highest point, resulting in the longest time between sunrise and sunset of all the other days of the year.
In most cultures throughout the world, the summer solstice is much more than just observing the tilt of the Earth in relation to the sun. It is celebrated with many festivals, rituals, and celebrations to recognize this unique day of light. Let’s go on a journey around the world to discover these diverse traditions.
Sant Joan in Barcelona
Let’s start with our very own city of Barcelona. The Sant Joan festival has many names, but in Catalonia it is most often referred to as “Nit de Sant Joan,” meaning Saint John’s Night or “Nit de Foc,” meaning Night of Fire. It is celebrated every year during the evening and night of June 23rd.
It is one of Barcelona’s biggest and wildest parties, and is celebrated in the streets and on the beaches with plenty of bonfires, fireworks, food, and a definite lack of sleep. People of all ages participate in the celebrations, which begin late and continue all through the night.
If you are in Barcelona during the summer solstice you won’t be able to resist joining the party! The event attracts over 75,000 people, and the biggest central gathering is on the beaches of Barcelona.
On almost every street you walk down you’ll run into large open-air feasts, bonfires, and other types of gatherings. For a full list of events and times by neighborhood, visit here.
One word of caution: you may want to wear long sleeves and pants to avoid being accidentally burned by the fireworks!
Midsommar in Sweden
Midsummer, or the Swedish spelling “midsommar,” is the second most important celebration in Sweden after Christmas.
At this time of the year in most of the country the sun never sets, which calls for a celebration of love and fertility.
The Swedes celebrate with a large lunch party where they eat pickled herring and boiled potatoes, and drink beer and Swedish vodka.
After the meal, it’s time to raise the maypole! Children and adults all circle together around the pole to lively music, holding hands and doing silly dances.
If you’re looking for love, you might be able to find it during the romantic midsommar in Sweden. Legend has it that if you pick seven different types of flowers and put them under your pillow, you will dream of the one you will marry.
Feux de la Saint-Jean in France
The French celebrate the summer solstice on the 24th of June in order to coincide with the Christian feast of Saint John the Baptist.
The main event you don’t want to miss is the lighting of a huge bonfire on the night of the 23rd. As a traditional rite of passage, all unmarried people must jump over the flames in order to find their soulmate by the end of the year.
The solstice is also a very popular time for large music festivals in France such as “Fête de la Musique,” which is often referred to as “Make Music Day.” This is a very happy time in France that recognizes youth and life at the peak of summer.
Stonehenge Summer Solstice Festival in the UK
I’m sure you’ve heard of Stonehenge, the mysterious stone structure in Wiltshire, England. What you may not know is that it is believed to mark the change of the seasons. Parts of this landmark are aligned with the setting sun of the winter solstice, and others with the rising sun of the summer solstice.
For four days during the solstice in June, people set up camp around Stonehenge. They gather and hang out together to enjoy grilled food, beer, and musical entertainment at night. It concludes on the final day by watching the earliest sunrise of the year at about 4:45 a.m.
Tirgan in Iran
This ancient summer tradition in Iran is celebrated slightly later than others, on either the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of July.
Several regions of the country recognize this rowdy celebration in which the participants splash water on each other, recite poetry, dance, and eat traditional spinach soup.
The arrival of the summer solstice brings a wonderful excuse to celebrate the warmest weather, longest-lasting light, and overall happiness at this time of year.
Whatever city you’re in, make sure to get out and join in the celebration!
