Summer solstice: What to know about the longest day of the year (opens original article in a new tab)

The article explains Midsummer celebrations in Europe, highlighting traditions, historical significance, and the blend of pagan and Christian elements tied to the summer solstice.

• Midsummer celebrations across Europe involve bonfires, maypoles, and traditional rituals to mark the summer solstice around June 21.
• The holiday has pagan roots and is linked to Christian traditions, with names like Midsommar in Sweden and Festa di San Giovanni Battista in Italy.
• Neolithic monuments like Stonehenge were built to align with solstices, showing ancient awareness of the event.