The summer solstice this year is happening on June 20. In 2026, it will also happen on the same day. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and the shortest night as it marks the beginning of summer. Many people celebrate this solstice in different cultures and throughout history as well. In ancient Greece, the solstice marked a New Year and a countdown for the Olympic games. The Romans celebrated what is known as Vestalia, which honors the goddess Vesta, where married women make offerings to seek blessings for their families. In ancient China, the solstice represents a feminine force known as “yin,” and in Northern and Central Europe, pagans celebrated with bonfires, which were thought to enhance the power of the sun and protect against evil spirits. Many Native American tribes, such as the Sioux, held solstice rituals, which are still practiced to this day. 

N/A, N/A. “Summer Solstice – Date, Definition & Rituals | HISTORY.” History.com, 10 August 2017, https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-summer-solstice. Accessed 18 May 2025.