Stonehenge UK- Watching sunrise
Stonehenge is a popular summer solstice tradition for the UK as it is designed to showcase the ascending light of the solstice. However, sunrise is when the magic happens at Stonehenge as it aligns with a circle carved into the stone. Many people go to see this wonder early in the morning to celebrate the start of the longest day.
Stonehenge is still a mystery to this day and to see this magical moment when the sunrise hits the circle is a great experience. It really shows off the architectural wonder of the mysterious Stonehenge.
Spain- bonfires and festival of St Joan
When midsummer comes along Spain typically celebrates through bonfires and firework displays. In Spain they also light special beacons too as a way to bring the start of summer in. The solstice is tied to feelings of belonging in Spain and also marks the path to adulthood for adolescents.
Spain tends to mix Christian culture and pagan ritual when it comes to summer solstice celebrations. This is shown through the festival of St Joan that occur in Barcelona, Menorca and other Catalan speaking regions.
USA- all day yoga and summer solstice parade
Due to the size of the USA, there are many summer solstice traditions that take place across the country. One of the most popular traditions is the all-day yoga event that occurs in times square, New York. This event involves hundreds of yoga lovers come together to practice all throughout the day.
Another popular tradition for the USA occurs in Santa Barbara which is the summer solstice parade. The parade has a different theme every year to excite everyone to participate and kickstart the summer in a fun way.
France- Fete de la musique
One of the most popular traditions that is known around the world is La Fete de la Musique in France. All across the country from cities to small villages, people in France take to the streets to play music or enjoy the musician’s work. Anyone with a passion for music can participate from soloists, groups, instrumental musicians and acapella singers. The only rule to the day is people participating should find a spot that doesn’t compete with any other musician. Crowds of people celebrate the start of summer enjoying the long hours of daylight and listening to various music throughout towns, cities and villages.
Fete de la Musique started off the worldwide celebration that is known as world music day. It coincides on the same day as France’s summer tradition and so has become a worldwide version of the festival. Get your pupils involved in music and celebrating the solstice and world music day with our percussion instruments.
Russia- Ivan Kupala
After a long harsh winter, Russia have the best reason to celebrate the summer solstice. A few days after the longest day, an event called Ivan Kupala occurs. This is traditionally in early July when the celebrations start. A sculpture is created out of plants and grass that is later burned to make sure that the summer will be great for harvest.
On the solstice, it is tradition for children to have water fights and throw water at passerby’s too. This is a way to celebrate good weather away from the dark and dull winter that Russia encounters.
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