Solstitial Festivals

Solstitial festivals celebrate the sun’s position at its extremes during the year—specifically the summer and winter solstices. The summer solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year, often around June 21, while the winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night, around December 21. These festivals, observed by many cultures worldwide, historically signified important agricultural and spiritual moments, honoring the sun’s power and the changing seasons. They often include rituals, feasts, and ceremonies aiming to acknowledge and welcome the sun's return or decline, fostering community cohesion and spiritual reflection.