The summer solstice on 21 June marks the start of summer, astrologically speaking, and we enjoy the longest day and the shortest night.
Our ancestors marked this point in the year with huge bonfires that would mimic and add to the sun’s force. In Christian times, the faithful marked the feast of St John the Baptist at the end of June. The Chinese, meanwhile, celebrate the festival of Li, the Goddess of light. Whatever your belief it’s a great excuse to get up early and maximise exposure to the warming sun. Here are Cheapflights.co.uk’s pick of the festivals around the world:
Stonehenge
Druids and sun worshippers flock to the sacred stones to welcome the sunrise, a practice that has gone on for about 5,000 years. This year sunrise is slated for 4.45am. (www.english-heritage.org.uk)
Orkney
In Orkney, island of several Neolithic sites including the Ring of Brodgar, the sun rises about 4am and sets about 10.30pm into twilight, not darkness. The St Magnus Festival runs from 17-22 June (www.stmagnusfestival.com), a renowned celebration of the arts with music, literature, drama and dance.
Menorca
Sant Joan in Ciutadella is a centuries-old celebration with a cast drawn from ancient society – the nobility, clergy, craftsmen and farmers – and an equine star. La Menorquina, a local breed of horse, are groomed and dressed and ridden through the streets, encouraged by the locals to dance and stand on their hind legs.
Porto
In Porto, Northern Portugal, the feast of Sao Joao, is celebrated with meals of boiled potatoes, sardines and red wine. The Barcos Rabelos Race takes place on the Douro and locals take to the streets to celebrate Saint John armed with leeks and plastic hammers to hit, in the friendliest possible way, their fellow revellers.
Denmark
The Danes celebrate Sankt Hans on 23 June by lighting bonfires, a practice that goes back to the time when witches were feared. An effigy of a witch is often placed on top of the bonfire and burned, her spirit fleeing to the mountainous Harz region of Germany where witches were thought to congregate. Today, you’ll find bonfires on the beaches, lots of music and chat and delicious picnics.
Latvia
In the Latvian calendar Midsummer Night or Jani festivities are among the most popular. Also known as Ligo!, Jani Day, Grass Day and Grass Evening, Latvians celebrate by getting back to nature, foraging for a piece of fern blossom, washing their faces in the morning dew and gathering medicinal plants. Gathering around a bonfire listening to music, provides a warm end to a long day.
Austria
Wachau is a region in Austria. It lies on the River Danube, a fertile, wine-growing place, and on Midsummer Night this stretch – from Ybbs to Krems – is set alight with thousands of little candles. Vineyards light torches and a string of bonfires and fireworks illuminate the night sky, welcoming summertime.
Norway
Sankthansaften or Jonsok (meaning “John’s wake”) is celebrated on 23 June. The day starts with flower gathering and ends in a bonfire. In some places mock marriages are performed, to symbolise the new life that the summer sun brings.
New York
And finally, something completely different, a free yoga event celebrating the sun, summer and creativity in Times Square, New York. It’s a 12-hour marathon – 7:30am to 7:30pm – on 21 June. The challenge in this all-day yoga fest is to find a sense of tranquility in the bustling, never-stops metropolis.
(Images: Stonehenge – vintagedept; Orkney – tom jervis; Menorca – EnGuillem; Porto – Hugo Cadavez; Denmark – tobias; Latvia – Reinis Traidas; Austria – ano; Norway – Åsmund Heimark; New York – bloodredrapture)
