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If you've watched the 2019 film Midsommer, you might associate Midsummer with flower crowns, maypoles, and a touch of ritual sacrifice. However, in reality, it’s a much more joyous—yet far less lethal—celebration. Midsummer is an ancient tradition that centers around the year's longest day. People from the Celts, Vikings, and many other cultures across Europe once celebrated the triumph of light over darkness, as well as the fertility of summer and the blossoming of nature, with bonfires, feasts, and dancing. These spirited traditions continue today across various countries, either on or near the longest day of the year (June 20 in 2024). The dates and duration of the festivities differ by region, but here are 10 key ones to remember.
The Summer Solstice in the United Kingdom
Neo-pagans, Wiccans, and those with an interest in ancient practices gather to mark the beginning of summer with a pilgrimage to Stonehenge. This year, attendees will be allowed to approach the iconic stones on the night of June 19, to witness the sunrise on June 20. The solstice offers a rare opportunity to get close to these enigmatic megaliths, which are usually encircled by a protective fence.
Midsommar // Sweden
Midsummer’s Eve, known as Midsommarafton in Swedish, and Midsummer’s Day are celebrated on the Friday and Saturday falling between June 19 and 25 each year. This national holiday is a grand affair, with the Friday evening marking the main event. People of all ages wear flower crowns and dance around the maypole (midsommarstangen) like playful frogs. Festivities also include plenty of drinking and singing, with libations often being especially potent.
Sankthansaften // Denmark
In Denmark, Midsummer’s Eve, called Sankthansaften (Saint John’s Eve), is celebrated on June 23 each year. The tradition dates back to medieval times when the Christian church chose this period to mark the birth of John the Baptist, aiming to replace the existing pagan customs. While no longer an official holiday, the tradition continues as people gather around bonfires to commemorate the occasion.
Sankthans // Norway
Norwegians celebrate Midsummer in a similar fashion to the Danes. On the evening of June 23, family and friends gather together, often lighting bonfires by the water's edge. As in Denmark, the event is not recognized as an official public holiday. Sankthans is a more laid-back, informal gathering rather than a wild, noisy celebration.
Juhannus // Finland
In Finland, Midsummer’s Day is celebrated on the Saturday between June 20 and 26. It’s one of the most important events of the summer and is observed with an official public holiday. People gather under the glowing midnight sun, with the evening before seeing the lighting of the Juhannuskokko, a massive bonfire that burns throughout the night. This tradition is believed to ward off demons and evil spirits. Naturally, a traditional Finnish Midsummer sauna, the Juhannussauna, is also part of the festivities.
Jónsmessa // Iceland
The cows may surprise you with their words. | terrababy/E+/Getty ImagesIn Iceland, Midsummer’s night is celebrated with the Jónsmessa, or Saint John’s Mass, on June 24. While the holiday takes its name from a Christian tradition, it retains many ancient customs. Icelandic folklore tells of this being a time when cows are said to acquire the ability to speak and seals can transform into humans.
Kresna Noč // Slovenia
For centuries, Slovenians have celebrated Midsummer’s Night, or Kresna Noč, with bonfires lit on June 24. According to ancient tradition, this night was believed to grant people the ability to communicate with animals. The ritual was named after Kresnik, the Slavic god of fire. In the 20th century, the celebration was moved to May 1 to coincide with the country’s Labor Day festivities.
Jaanipäev // Estonia
Like many European nations, Estonia's ancient pagan Midsummer sun-worship rituals were influenced by the Christian church. Jaanipäev (Saint John’s Day) is celebrated on June 24 each year, coinciding with the country's “white nights” due to its northern position. During this period, the night never fully darkens, and many Estonians stay awake, enjoying the twilight while gathered around bonfires.
Hogueras de San Juan // Spain
In Spain, Midsummer is most prominently celebrated in regions with Gaelic roots, such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. Here, the festivities closely resemble those of the UK and Scandinavia. Hogueras de San Juan (or Bonfires of St. John) marks another fiery Midsummer tradition, filled with light and fire.
Enyovden // Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Midsummer’s Day is celebrated as Enyovden. During this time, brave individuals perform a barefoot dance called Nestinarstvo over the glowing embers of a bonfire. Historically, women would venture out before dawn to gather medicinal herbs, as it was believed these plants held their greatest power on this day. Enyovden falls on June 24, coinciding with the Eastern Orthodox church's observance of Saint John the Baptist’s feast day.
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