Midsummer Eve in Norway (Sankthansaften)

Date: Celebrated on June 23rd, the eve of St. John the Baptist's day.

History: Midsummer is an ancient celebration dating back to pre-Christian times, marking the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. With the advent of Christianity, the festival was linked to the birth of St. John the Baptist, which is traditionally observed on June 24th.

Traditions:

• Bonfires: The most iconic tradition is lighting bonfires (Sankthansbål). This practice has roots in pagan times when people believed that fire had the power to ward off evil spirits.
• Feasting and Gatherings: Friends and families gather for communal feasts, often including traditional Norwegian summer foods such as strawberries and fresh seafood.
• Music and Dance: Local communities often organize events with live music, dancing, and various festivities.
• Boat Processions: In coastal areas, boat processions are common where decorated boats parade along the shoreline.
• Speeches and Poems: It's also a time for speeches about summer and recitation of poems related to Midsummer.

What People Do: Norwegians take advantage of the long daylight hours by engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing in nature. Many people travel to cabins by lakes or fjords to celebrate. The focus is on enjoying the beauty of Norwegian nature while spending quality time with loved ones.