Next June 21 we will live in our hemisphere the longest day of the year which coincides with the beginning of summer.
Traditions, ancient stories and celebrations – this is a special day and should be honored as such. There are many traditions that revolve around Summer SolsticeIn fact, throughout the world, what is the longest day in the world is considered a true blessing, for nature and for humans.
Our country is also sensitive to the arrival of summer, which is why there are many initiatives organized to pay tribute to the sun and its positive and energetic value, which since ancient times has meant magic, mystery and positivity.
The celebration of the summer solstice coincides with the festival of Saint John Baptist: Precisely in the homonymous city of Marignano, Rimini, Witches' Night is planned from June 20 to 24.
However, on the shores of Lake Piediluco, the Water Festival welcomes summer, combining ancient rites and modern celebrations through liveliness, sociability and energy.
In Genoa, as tradition dictates, on the night of June 23 to 24, a great purifying bonfire in Piazza Matteotti, in honor of San Giovanni.
Fires, the use of aromatic herbs and purification are the absolute protagonists of this festival that usually begins on June 21 and ends on the 24th, with a celebration that lasts three full days, a tradition that remembers the customs of the Celtic peoples.
These days burn the old herbs and new ones are collected, as a good omen for the new year to come.
In Sardinia, the use of herbs for dream and prophetic purposes to increase the fertility of the fields and people still survives during the night of the solstice. It is also in this region where, between June 21 and 24, the lamps: lights and fires to celebrate the quintessential ritual of sun salutation, which has its roots in pagan ceremonies.
Although the festival is now accompanied by the Christian anniversary of Saint John, it has not lost its original symbolic meaning: that is why the Làmpadas festival continues today to be an auspicious and prophetic night that never ceases to fascinate. Summer Solstice?
