Summer solstice will occur in Northern hemisphere on Monday, June 21, 2021. It is a time when the North Pole is most inclined towards Sun. Which in turn this part gets the longest day light of the year. Summer Solstice is also known as Midsummer, First Day of Summer, June solstice (in Northern Hemisphere) and the longest day of the year. It takes place twice a year, once in the Northern Hemisphere (may take place between June 20 and June 22 according to the year and time zone) and once in the Southern Hemisphere (may take place between Dec 20 and 23). Summer solstice marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Note:

Summer Solstice 2020 has passed and was on Saturday, June 20, 2020. The dates and time for different locations may differ because they are given in GMT, but the Summer solstice occurs at the same moment in time worldwide.

Also the dates for different festivals mentioned below will be updated as soon as when the organizers of the event/festival announce them.

Summer solstice portray



The illustration above is explained here. The axial tilt of earth makes summer solstice to happen. The earth’s axial tilt at 23.44 degrees making the northern hemisphere most inclined towards Sun. The northern hemisphere is directly hit by Sun light due to being the sun in the farthest position from earth and Sun appears highest in sky. Also sun stays for the longest time of the year from dawn to dusk, making it the longest day of the year.

Solstice is derived from Latin word “Sol” meaning Sun and “Sistere” meaning stationary or stand still. On the longest day of the year Sun stays for the longest before setting up.

Summer solstice 2021

Solstice Time

Summer solstice takes place on the same Date in Northern Hemisphere. But the Solstice Time, Sunrise Time, Sunset Time and Day Duration differ from location to location.

Solstice time 24+ is on June 21 (the next day). Summer solstice 2020 will happen probably on June 21 for the locations ahead of GMT i.e; further east to Greenwich. Therefore the solstice time for those locations is showing in 24+ format.

City,

Country Solstice Time Sunrise Time Sunset Time Day Duration

(hr, min sec) New York, USA 17:43 05:24:56 20:03:41 15, 05, 44 Beijing, China 29:43 04:46:00 19:46:24 15, 00, 24 London, UK 17:43 04:43:02 21:21:32 16, 38, 29 New Delhi, India 27:43 05:23:47 19:21:59 13, 58, 12 Reykjavik, Iceland 21:43 02:55:13 00:03:29 21, 08, 16 Tyrol, Austria 23:43 05:17:32

21:13:54 15, 56, 22

Ottawa, Canada 17:43 05:14:21 20:54:48 15, 40, 26 Madrid, Spain 23:43 06:44:43 21:48:28 15, 03, 45 Stockholm, Sweden 23:43 03:30:50 22:08:13 18, 37, 22 Moscow, Russia 24:43 03:44:33 21:18:06 17, 33, 06 Islamabad, Pakistan 26:43 04:57:42 19:21:32 14, 23, 49

Summer Solstice Festival

Nature provides us lots of opportunities to be happy and celebrate the moment. The longest day of the year is a turning point, as summer starts after spring. People around the globe celebrate this day in different ways.

Summer Solstice is an astronomical event, celebrated in many countries around the Globe. The celebrations related to Summer solstice are of traditional and of cultural importance for many people. Thousands of people gather at significant places to celebrate the day. People celebrate them with old rituals like bonfires, burning effigies as well as with newer ways like yoga, musical shows, dances, picnics etc.

Historical Background

Summer solstice festival dates back to Ancient Greeks, Ancient Romans, Ancient Chinese, European Pagans, Vikings and Ancient Native Americans.

In Ancient Greek summer solstice was the start of new year, Olympic Games were held (one month after summer solstice) and the celebration of Kronia was held (the festival celebrating Cronus) .

Vestalia was celebrated by Ancient Romans around Summer Solstice, in the honor of Vesta.

Celebrations related to feminine force were celebrated in Ancient China.

Summer Solstice was celebrated with bonfires by European Pagans.

Vikings “known as barbarians” discussed and resolved their conflicts among them on the occasion of Summer Solstice.

Top 15 Summer Solstice Festivals Around the Globe

Many of the ancient rituals celebrated today in many places with some modifications. June solstice is also celebrated with modern ways in many countries. In this article you will be informed about the most famous festivals of Summer solstice 2021.

Secret Solstice Festival, Reykjavik, Iceland

Summer solstice in Iceland is unique because sun sets at midnight and rises again at around 3:00 AM. It is full experience of Summer solstice having extended days of 24 hours. This year June solstice is occurring on June 20.

This secret solstice festival started from June 2014 in Reykjavik, Iceland for the first time. From then on, it is celebrated every year on the day of Summer solstice and it got worldwide famous. National and international performers take part in this musical show. The music, dances and performances at midnight sun attract people from the globe.

Secret Solstice Festival

This is one of the best summer events in the world. The organizers every year try unique styles to entertain audience and give them an unforgettable show. Summer solstice 2020 celebration will be organized from June 21-24, under 96 hours of straight sunlight. Best performers are selected from all over the globe. Famous stars will spread their light, along with light of sun.

To book your tickets and getting information about the line-up, visit: Secret Solstice 2020 Reykjavik

Catch The Sunrise At Stonehenge 2021, England

Sun Rising Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, UK, which has been constructed by Neolithic ancestors in three phases between 3000 BC and 1600 BC. Stonehenge is a famous wonder of the world, the purpose of construction is not revealed to the world yet. There are some theories about its purpose of construction one of the reasons that best suits is discussed in the page Summer solstice at Stonehenge. The important thing is: why Stonehenge is famous for attracting people towards it in Summer solstice?

On Summer solstice people from UK and from the world gather at Stonehenge to see the sunrise. All stand looking towards northeast, while sun is about to rise. The sun appears exactly above the Heel Stone (one of the stones outside the circle). The crowd silently witnesses the moment and try to absorb the charm of nature, which is a unique feeling for them. This year sun is going to rise on June 20, at 04:51 AM in Amesbury.

This is a four day event, (starting from 18th to 21st June) with a wonderful live performances and camping in the fields provided with all facilities. Peaceful and magical vicinity provides a spiritual and relaxed environment for all. The activities performed like yoga (praising sun), sorting yourself out (defining your objectives, relationships etc), music (around bonfires) and thanking nature are Litha Customs. The food, transport, accommodation and health & safety are all top class provided by Stonehenge Campsite and Glamping Pods.

For more information about camping, traveling and other facilities visit: Stonehenge Campsite & Glamping Pods

Yoga In India

People in India celebrate Summer solstice in groups or mass yoga sessions. They believe that the first yogi Adiyogi, met his disciple on Summer solstice. Thousands of yogis gather in different cities of India and practice yoga on Summer solstice. The reason behind doing this is that paying a salute to sun, as summer starts. This is done for strength, for happiness, for love, for forgiveness and for correcting mistakes done in past.

Yoga is practiced to make a strong connection between mind and body. Once you build a connection of mind with each part of body, then the connection will be stronger day by day with practice. Thus it will help you making mentally, physically and spiritually strong. The United Nations Assembly declared June 21, International Day of Yoga, on December 11 2014.

Yoga In Times Square New York, America

Summer solstice Yoga in Times Square

Western yoga has been carried from India. The longest day in New York is celebrated by doing yoga in Times Square. Thousands of yoga lovers gather at around 7 AM to start practicing yoga and continue until sunsets. Apart from yoga Summer solstice is also celebrated in Fairbanks, Alaska by playing Midnight sun baseball game. It is started around 10:30 PM through mid night sun.

Solstice Bonfires, Tyrol, Austria

Solstice Bonfires Tirol

On 23rd June, 2020, around 9 PM when darkness prevails in Austria, people alight their mountains especially (the mountains of Wild Kaiser region of Tirol) with bonfires and candle. This is an Alpine Tradition dates back to middle ages. Austrians celebrate it to pay homage to their ancestors, who worshiped earth through fire. On the festival people from all over the country go to Alp mountainous regions for lighting. Lighting on mountains provides a beautiful scene for the viewers. Cable car take the party goers to the mountains from evening.

Summer Solstice Aboriginal Arts Festival, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Aboriginal Cultural Dance

Summer solstice aboriginal arts festival is held on 21st June, in Ottawa, Ontario every year. It is also National Aboriginals’ Day in Canada. This festival is celebrated to promote the culture, featured performances, music and art of the Metis people, Inuit, and First National communities of Canada. This is an outdoor celebration, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country to enjoy the indigenous traditions and enjoy the home made food with family and friends.

Canada being a multi-cultural diverse country, so this celebration is a unique and authentic cultural experience. The festivities for the visitors include aboriginal language workshops, traditional games, music, dances, artwork contests, storytelling, feasts and much more…!

Solstice Festival of Saint Joan, Menorca, Spain

Solstice festival of Saint John

This is a combination of Pagan ritual and Christian tradition. Before Christianity in Spain, according to Pagan ritual on the shortest night of the year fire pray was offered, as fire was a symbol of purification for pagans. After the birth of Saint John the Baptist on June 24, King Clovis in 5th century Christianized the day officially named “Saint John Day”. This festival takes place on June 20-24, every year. Today the revelers celebrate the event with bonfires and fireworks. Also it is celebrated with horse riding in streets which is one-of-a kind in the world.

Summer Solstice Santa Barbara 2020

Solstice Parade Santa Barbara

This is a three day event on the occasion of Summer solstice in Santa Barbara, which is celebrated every year from 1974. Santa Barbara solstice parade, giant puppets, appealing costumes, and display of floats on parade route attract more than 100,000 spectators from the all over the globe. Every year the celebration has a theme and this year’s theme is “Wonder”.

Midsummer Stockholm

Maypole Dance

Midsummer is celebrated very differently in Sweden; this is the biggest holiday after Christmas in the country. The Summer solstice weekend is celebrated by making flower crowns, dancing around a pole called maypole, singing songs while eating schnapps.

Astrofest, Istria, Croatia

Astronomy and stargazing enthusiasts head towards Croatia. They enjoy sky gazing on the night of Summer solstice which is a unique experience of science and spirituality combined. Music, dances and performances increase the enjoyment to its peak.

Summer solstice Celebrations in China

Summer solstice has traditional and cultural importance in China. It is one of the solar term in Chinese culture. The day is longest of the year but after which sun moves towards south and days get shorter till the winter solstice. Ancient emperors in China used to celebrate these solar terms, as Summer solstice was a time to Worship earth and winter solstice was a time to worship Heaven.

Foods

It is a famous saying in China that “winter solstice is an occasion for dumplings and summer solstice is an occasion for noodles”. In Beijing and Shandong restaurants are filled with noodle lovers. As the weather is hot so all kinds of cold noodles are served. People with relatives and friends enjoy cold noodles.

Wuxi is famous for eating rice porridge in breakfast and wontons in lunch on the occasion of summer solstice. Wontons are eaten for reunions and happiness for rest of the year.

Dogs Meat Festival

Dog Meat Eating on Summer Solstice

People in “Yulin” south China celebrate Summer solstice by eating dog meat and lychees. It attracts thousands of tourists and locals who love to eat dog meat. Thousands are dogs cut on the festival and people enjoy at dine. Some people in China say that eating dog food on the summer solstice brings good health and good luck for the rest of the year. Some believe that dog meat is good for sexual performance for men, takes away diseases and ghosts. Social activists and animal rights agencies criticize the slaughtering of thousands of dogs on the festival. Also the Chinese government has banned the act. But people celebrate solstice by eating dog meat on the longest of the year because it is deeply ingrained in the culture of Southern China as quoted last year. This is not countrywide celebrated but only in southern part.

Summer solstice Fest Blacksburg

Summer solstice festival at Blacksburg

The beginning of summer in Downtown Blacksburg will be celebrated on June 20, this year. The fest offers activities for all ages, especially for food lovers. The fun-food festival asks vendors to apply by submitting photos who are members of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. Outsiders are not allowed to take part in the fest as a vendor, this is done just to promote local foods. Apart from food vendors, art and handicraft vendors are invited to apply for fest. This is done so to display pure handmade arts and handicrafts.

Alaska Summer solstice 2020

Alaska being near to Arctic gets extended days of 22 hours straight light in summer. The start of summer and the longest day of the year is celebrated in Alaska with a variety of activities for all ages. The celebrations take place from June 20 to June 22 every year. Downtown Fourth Avenue turns into a party with the acts of musicians, artists and performers. The path to fun extends to Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon which enthusiasts runners into Anchorage’s best trails. Much more is needed to be explored still, summer solstice awaits for you to enjoy at Anchorage.

Alaska Baseball Game which is also known as Midnight Sun Baseball Game is played on the time of Summer solstice by Alaska Goldpanners. This is a Fairbanks ritual started in 1906, played during midnight sun. The game is extra appealing for sun-fun lovers.

Fremont Fair

Fremont Fair starts before a week to Summer solstice in mid of June. A free spirited solstice weekend is celebrated with live music, eating special dishes and drinking, craft and art booths, performers, naked bicyclist with painted bodies etc;. More or less everyone enjoys the fair in an artistic way. Funds are raised for a cause, supporting a non-profit organization.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Scarlet Sails

In St. Petersburg from May 26, to July 16 sun remains in horizon forever. Sun light doesn’t go down from the horizon. So these days and nights are termed as “white nights and breezy days”. Photo lovers are attracted to catch the great scenes and sun never leaving horizon photos to capture. Lots of great captures of photographers circulate on internet.

White nights event dates back to when Peter the Great founded the city. Today on the occasion of summer solstice many music and theatrical performances are organized. Scarlet sails festival is another great and romantic festive. More than three million visitors, including graduates visit the celebration to see the Scarlet Sails boat on embankments of St. Petersburg accompanied with theatrical concert at the Palace Square and multimedia Music Show. This is the most romantic moment of the festival.



The Scarlet Sails Festival 2020 will be held on the night of June 20-21.

FAQs About Summer Solstice