How will you celebrate Summer Solstice?

If it seems like it’s never going to get dark tonight, there’s a good reason for that. Today is officially the day of the year with the most daylight – also known as summer solstice and the official start to the summer season.

This holiday is celebrated in a variety of ways around the world. You can see a sunrise at Stonehenge, party all night in Iceland, ride a mountain bike down a mountain in Canada or do sun salutations in Times Square.

Historically, summer solstice is a celebration of fertility and has cultural significance around the world. In Scandinavia and parts of Europe, Solstice is celebrated as a pagan tradition that is also called Midsummer. Bonfires, dancing, jumping over fire, throwing flower wreaths into rivers, mock weddings and special foods are among the rituals that take place in various countries.

If your favorite time of year is the one when it’s light out early and stays that way until late, then these are the days you’ve been waiting for. In northern Iceland, the sun never fully sets in the month of June. The midnight sun is not just a song title here.

Need a great way to celebrate Solstice? Invite a few neighbors over for an impromptu gathering at your apartment. Put on some groovy music and get your dancing shoes on – Solstice is a celebration of movement and life. If you’re waiting for the weekend to mark the holiday, some communities have Midsummer/Solstice celebrations that include parades, festivals, bike rides and other activities. Or head to your nearest campground so you can safely light a celebratory bonfire. Jumping over it is not really recommended.

How are you spending the longest day of the year? Happy Solstice!

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