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Summer solstice: Stonehenge, England -

Perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols of the solstices in Europe, a visit to Stonehenge is on many people's midsummer bucket list.

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Summer solstice: Stonehenge, England -

The sun aligns with this mysterious collection of boulders at the midway turning point of the year. A big party takes place to celebrate.

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Summer solstice: Stonehenge, England -

Rituals and ceremonies happen on the site around the solstice, as thousands stay overnight to watch the sunrise behind the Heel Stone. 

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Midsommar: Sweden -

One of the most famous summer solstice celebrations in the world, Midsommar in Sweden is a national holiday, where friends and families come together.

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Midsommar: Sweden -

Taking place between June 19-25 each year, on a Friday night, folk dancing takes place around the maypole and flower crowns are worn.

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Midsommar: Sweden -

Swedes eat traditional food on Midsommar including pickled herring, sour cream, potatoes, meatballs, and smoked salmon as well as fresh summer strawberries. 

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Līgosvētki and Jāņi: Latvia -

A national holiday taking place on June 23 and 24, Līgosvētki and Jāņi mark the shortest night of the year in Latvia, in honor of the fertility god (Jānis).

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Līgosvētki and Jāņi: Latvia -

Many celebrations take place in the countryside, with people preparing their own food and bringing tents to sleep in, with others performing rituals, singing folk songs, and wearing national dress.

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Līgosvētki and Jāņi: Latvia -

Jāņi traditions have been passed down in numerous Latvian folksongs, by word-of-mouth. Flower garlands are worn by women, and some of the preparations begin weeks beforehand.

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Juhannus: Finland -

Midsummer was originally a pagan festival in Finland, in honor of the god of thunder, Ukko. Today, Midsummer in Finland is also a celebration of the feast of St. John which is how it came to be known as Juhannus. 

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Juhannus: Finland -

Bonfires take place next to lakes, and there is a tradition of single women placing freshly picked flowers under their pillow on Juhannus night: it's said they'll dream of their future husband!

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Jónsmessa: Iceland -

In Iceland, Jónsmessa, or Saint John’s Mass, takes place on June 24 as a summer solstice celebration. Older customs live on to this day.

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Jónsmessa: Iceland -

In Icelandic folklore, the solstice is a time when the magical mixes with the mundane: seals are able to appear as humans, while cows can gain the ability to speak.

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Festa de São João: Porto, Portugal -

Close to the summer solstice, St. John the Baptist is celebrated annually in Porto during the Festa de São João on St. John's Eve, June 23rd. 

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Festa de São João: Porto, Portugal -

Fireworks, sardines, music, and dancing mark the peak of the celebrations on the longest night of the year, which was originally a pagan feast.

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Festa de São João: Porto, Portugal -

Now a Christian celebration, during the Festa de São João whole neighborhoods take to the streets to enjoy the festivities together.

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Mountain fires: Tyrol, Austria -

In the Austrian mountains, there are Midsummer traditions that claim their roots as far back as the Middle Ages. To worship the Earth, bonfires are lit.

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Mountain fires: Tyrol, Austria -

The fires are set up to resemble certain shapes that become visible once they are lit and darkness falls over the mountains.

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Sankthans: Norway -

In Norway, people light bonfires next to the water to honor the get-together of Sankhans. Though not a public holiday, it's an excuse to have a good time!

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Sankthans: Norway -

Norwegians young and old gather together for a big party on the night of June 23, for what's a casual gathering rather than a big national holiday.

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Hogueras de San Juan: Spain -

The night of San Juan, or St. John, is celebrated all over Spain. Bonfires take place on beaches and in the streets in celebration of the saint.

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Hogueras de San Juan: Spain -

The shortest night of the year is spent with friends and family, enjoying drinks and food. The regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country have celebrations that closely resemble those in Scandinavia and England.

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Hogueras de San Juan: Spain -

The streets are decorated in colorful ways, and figures are made that are later burned at the end of the festival in effigy.

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Sankthansaften: Denmark -

Midsummer's eve is celebrated as the Feast of St. John in Denmark, known in Danish as Sankthansaften, on June 23 annually.

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Sankthansaften: Denmark -

The feast day in honor of the saint was introduced by the Church, to gain control over the old Pagan holiday. People gather to light bonfires, but it's not a national holiday.

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Jaanipäev: Estonia -

Jaanipäev (Saint John’s Day) takes place on June 24 every year in Estonia. The festival replaced the ancient pagan traditions in Estonia that had come before.

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Jaanipäev: Estonia -

Traditionally, Estonians gathered for sun-worshipping Midsummer festivities on "white nights"—when the sky doesn't fully go dark. During this time, people sit together next to bonfires and celebrate.

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Ivan Kupala: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus (Slavic countries) -

One of the most ancient folk celebrations of the Eastern Slavs, Ivan Kupala coincides with the solstice, the Christian Feast of St. John the Baptist, and the East Slavic feast of St. John's Eve.

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Ivan Kupala: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus (Slavic countries) -

In the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, it takes place between June 20-24, whereas in Slavic countries that follow the Julian calendar, it's a bit later (July 6-7 in part of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia). Herbs are gathered, garlands are sent down streams, bonfires are lit, and there is singing and dancing.

Sources: (Mental Floss) (Expat Explore) (Farming Life) (Frayed Passport)

See also: A journey into local legends around the world

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