The date for the summer solstice varies between June 20 and June 22, depending on the year.
When is Summer Solstice 2024
- Because of leap year, the June solstice in the year 2024 in Europe is on Thursday , 20th of June 2024, around 10:50 pm
When is Summer Solstice 2025
- In 2025 the June solstice in Europe will be on Saturday , 21st of June 2025, around 04:41 pm
The summer solstice occurs when the tilt of a planet’s semi-axis, in either the northern or the southern hemisphere, is most inclined toward the star (sun) that it orbits. Earth’s maximum axial tilt toward the sun is 23° 26′. This happens twice each year, at which times the sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the north or the south pole. The summer solstice occurs during a hemisphere’s summer.
This is northern solstice in the northern hemisphere and the southern solstice in the southern hemisphere. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the summer solstice occurs some time between December 20 and December 23 each year in the southern hemisphere[2] and between June 20 and June 22 in the northern hemisphere.
Though the summer solstice is an instant in time, the term is also colloquially used like midsummer to refer to the day on which it occurs.
The summer solstice occurs on the day that has the longest period of daylight – except in the polar regions, where daylight is continuous, from a few days to six months around the summer solstice. Worldwide, interpretation of the event has varied among cultures, but most recognize the event in some way with holidays, festivals, and rituals around that time with themes of religion or fertility. Solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still).
Timelapse Video of the Summer Solstice in Stonehenge
Source: Wikipedia
When was Summer Solstice 2020
- The June solstice in the year 2020 in Europe is on Saturday , 20th of June 2020, around 11:44pm
When was Summer Solstice 2019
- The June solstice in the year 2019 in Europe was on Friday, 21th of June 2019, around 5:54pm
When was Summer Solstice 2018
- The June solstice in the year 2018 in Europe was on Thursday, 21th of June 2018 around 12:07 pm
The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is an event celebrated with enthusiasm and diverse customs across Europe, reflecting a tapestry of cultural and historical traditions. This phenomenon, occurring around June 21st, has been a significant marker in the calendar for centuries, heralding the beginning of summer and bringing with it a multitude of festivals, rituals, and traditions unique to various countries.
Summer Solstice in Scandinavia
In Scandinavia, the summer solstice is celebrated with a fervor that matches the intensity of the midnight sun. Sweden’s Midsommar is particularly famous, marked by dancing around the Maypole, a symbol of fertility, and singing traditional songs. Homes and public spaces are adorned with greenery and flowers, reflecting the bloom of life. The day is filled with a sense of enchantment, with feasts that include herring and new potatoes, and for many, it’s a time to escape to the countryside to enjoy nature’s bounty. Anna, a resident of Gothenburg, describes Midsommar as “a time when the whole community comes alive with joy and laughter, dancing under the endless daylight.”
Norway and Denmark share similar traditions, with bonfires being a common sight. In Norway, the celebration is known as ‘Sankthansaften’. Folklore and tales often accompany these gatherings, where people dance and sing to welcome the summer. Denmark’s ‘Sankt Hans Aften’ also sees large bonfires on which effigies of witches are burned, symbolically sending them off to the Brocken mountain in Germany, a tradition rooted in the country’s historical battle against witchcraft. The tradition of burning effigies in Denmark dates back to the 16th century, a symbolic act to drive away evil spirits and witchcraft.
Finland’s ‘Juhannus’ takes the celebration to the lakes and seas, with many Finns heading to their summer cottages to light bonfires (‘kokko’) by the water, a practice believed to ward off evil spirits. The magic of the midnight sun is celebrated with sauna sessions, swimming, and boating, reflecting the deep connection Finns have with their natural surroundings. Imagine the serenity of sitting by a lakeside bonfire, the flames reflecting on the water under the never-setting sun.
Summer Solstice on the British Isles
In the British Isles, the solstice is perhaps most famously observed at Stonehenge, where thousands gather to see the sunrise align perfectly with the ancient stones. This event draws people from all walks of life, from druids and pagans performing sacred ceremonies to tourists and locals simply enjoying the spectacle and the communal atmosphere. The ancient Celts believed the solstice was a time when the veil between worlds was thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.
In Ireland, the solstice is celebrated with a mix of ancient and modern traditions. Bonfires are lit on hills, and at places like the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, people gather to watch the sunrise. The tradition of lighting fires dates back to pre-Christian times, used as a means to bless the land and the people. Standing on the Hill of Tara, one can almost feel the weight of history and the lingering presence of ancient rituals.
Summer Solstice in Spain
Moving south to Spain, the ‘Fiesta de San Juan’ is celebrated with gusto, particularly in coastal areas. Bonfires are built on beaches, and at midnight, people jump over them to purify and cleanse the soul. In Alicante, the festival known as ‘Las Hogueras de San Juan’ is marked by the construction of elaborate papier-mâché statues that are paraded through the streets before being set alight. The sight of these towering figures blazing against the night sky is nothing short of spectacular.
Summer Solstice in Greece
In Greece, the solstice is linked with the feast of St. John the Baptist, known as ‘Klidonas’. It’s characterized by a unique tradition where maidens in villages collect water and leave it overnight to be ‘blessed’. The next day, they use this water for divination, seeking to foretell their future husbands. Festivities also include jumping over fires, a practice believed to purify and bring luck. The air is filled with anticipation and the scent of burning wood as villagers leap over the flames, hoping for a prosperous year ahead.
Summer Solstice in Latvia
Latvia’s ‘Jāņi’ is another vibrant celebration, where people adorn themselves with wreaths made from oak leaves and flowers, symbolizing strength and beauty. The air is filled with the sound of folk music, and traditional carousing, known as ‘Līgo’, goes on through the night. Cheese seasoned with caraway seeds and beer is consumed in abundance, reflecting the agrarian roots of the festival. The joyous atmosphere is contagious, with everyone participating in the singing and dancing that continues until dawn.
Summary for Summer solstice
In contrast, in countries like Italy and France, while the summer solstice is acknowledged, it’s not celebrated as widely or with as many unique traditions as in the northern countries. However, local festivals, music, and food still mark the day in various regions, reflecting the joyous spirit of summer. In southern Europe, the focus is often on community gatherings and enjoying the warm weather with friends and family.
The summer solstice in Europe is more than just a day; it’s a reflection of the continent’s rich cultural mosaic. From the fires of Scandinavia to the sunlit ancient stones of the British Isles, each celebration is a testament to the enduring human connection to the cycles of nature. It’s a time when the past and present merge, where folklore and tradition meet modern festivities, and communities come together to celebrate. Experiencing the summer solstice in Scandinavia is something that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime. Imagine dancing around the Maypole or watching the sunrise at Stonehenge—these are memories that will last forever.
