For some countries, the summer solstice marks the official start of summer, showcasing the longest day and shortest night of the year as a time for revelry, steeped in local culture and history.
In 2024, the official solstice falls on June 20, but celebrations in the northern hemisphere occur from June 20 to June 23. Let’s explore some unique ways this event is celebrated around the world.
1. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England
The purpose of the impressive boulder formations of Stonehenge remains a mystery; however, they create a phenomenal backdrop for the most famous observation of sunrise and sunset. Believed to be the site of ancient Druid solstice celebrations, this location attracts visitors every year.
One-day access to the inner prehistoric stone circle allows travelers to face the Heel Stone to catch the stunning sunrise over the giant boulder.
As the popularity of this free event has grown, thousands camp nearby (though no camping is allowed at the site) days in advance while clad in traditional Celtic attire. Additionally, English Heritage live streams the event on its YouTube channel, enabling you to tune in from anywhere in the world. The live streaming begins with sunset on the evening of Thursday, June 20, and continues with sunrise on Friday, June 21.
2. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival – Ottawa, Canada
A diversity of cultures is represented in Ottawa’s three-day Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, running from June 21 to 23. This festival fuses the longest day of the year with National Indigenous Peoples Day. Historically, this area was the traditional territory of the Algonquin people.
The festival features delicious food by celebrated Indigenous chefs, along with traditional costumes and various cultural events. A visually captivating Pow Wow showcases local talent, all competing for $75,000 in prizes. While admission is free, there may be fees for specific events and workshops.
3. Fairbanks and Anchorage – Alaska, US
About one-third of the state of Alaska lies north of the Arctic Circle, meaning solstice celebrations can be found throughout the region. In Fairbanks, the Alaska Goldpanners host the Midnight Sun Baseball Game, a cherished tradition dating back to 1906. The game begins at 10 PM and pauses close to midnight for the singing of the Alaska Flag Song.
A little further south, Anchorage experiences 22 hours of daylight and utilizes every moment with the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon and Half Marathon on June 22, celebrating its 50th year in 2024.
4. Midsummer – Stockholm, Sweden
Midsummer in Sweden is filled with romance, featuring traditional maypole dancing and gathering wildflowers for floral crowns. According to tradition, placing seven types of flowers under your pillow at Midsummer ensures that you will dream of your spouse. However, who has the time for sleep?
During the solstice weekend, streets transform into lively celebrations filled with pickled herring, dill-laced new potatoes, spiced schnapps, and plenty of jovial drinking songs. These celebrations are family-oriented and often take place in the countryside. For those without personal invites, the open-air Skansen Museum in Stockholm is a popular alternative, offering three days of activities from June 21 to 23.
5. Mountaintop Bonfires – Tyrol, Austria
When the summer solstice arrives, Austrians embrace the tradition of lighting bonfires on mountaintops. This practice not only looks spectacular but is also rooted in history, dating back to the Middle Ages when flames were said to ward off evil spirits.
In the 1700s, these fires were repurposed to combat the looming threat of invasion by Napoleon. Following their victory, Austrians pledged allegiance to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since then, the mountains of Tyrol have been set ablaze annually, with religious symbols like crosses being incorporated into the festivities.
This article was first published on June 19, 2019 and was updated on June 17, 2024.
