5 European Summer Solstice Celebrations: Midsummer, Bonfires

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It’s the Summer Solstice! Check out some of the awesome celebrations you can join each year if you happen to find yourself in Europe:

1. England: Midsummer at Stonehenge

Midsummer at Stonehenge - 5 European Summer Solstice Celebrations You Must See - Frayed Passport

Midsummer at Stonehenge – Photo by Dyana Wing So on Unsplash

What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than a huge party at Stonehenge—arguably one of the most mysterious spots on the planet? Watching the sunrise over the heel stone is definitely something that should be on your bucket list this year.

2. Sweden: Maypole and Midsummer

Midsummer in Sweden - 5 European Summer Solstice Celebrations You Must See - Frayed Passport

Midsummer in Sweden – photo by Davide Biscuso on Unsplash

If you want a truly Swedish experience, look no further than the traditional Maypole dance celebrated every Midsummer. There are lots of traditions around the Maypole, but in more recent years it’s become an excellent way for friends and family to get together, have fun, and celebrate the longest day of the year.

3. Portugal: Festa de São João do Porto

Festival of Saint John the Baptist in Portugal - 5 European Summer Solstice Celebrations You Must See - Frayed Passport

Festival of Saint John the Baptist in Portugal – photo by Paulo Victor on Unsplash

Celebrated on June 23rd, this festival pays tribute to John the Baptist, and has been a tradition in northern Portugal for about 600 years. Travel to Portugal on this day for one of the very best street festivals you’ll find in all of Europe!

4. Norway: Midsummer Bonfires

Sitting around the fire in Norway - 5 European Summer Solstice Celebrations You Must See - Frayed Passport

Midsummer bonfire – photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Also celebrated on June 23rd, Midsummer festivals in Norway honor John the Baptist as they do in Portugal, and even combine some of the Swedish traditions above, celebrating family and marriage.

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5: Spain: Celebration of San Juan

A fire eater in Spain - 5 European Summer Solstice Celebrations You Must See - Frayed Passport

A fire eater in Spain – photo by Sergi Viladesau on Unsplash

Another must-see trip for the bucket list: for Spanish Midsummer, you’ll find revelers partying, lighting bonfires, and jumping over them. Kind of like a warrior run with a more traditional origin story.

About the Author

As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!

Featured image via Pixabay.

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