Student Article
Winter Solstice: Six Traditional Midwinter Celebrations From Around the World
Solstice (noun): The shortest or longest day of the year.
Celebrate (verb): To do something special for an important event.
Festival (noun): A special event with activities and celebrations.
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. People from different cultures have special ways to celebrate this day. Here are some fun celebrations from around the world:
Roman Pagans
They celebrated the winter solstice on December 25th. They believed the Sun was a god and did everything they could to bring it back to warm them.
Bolivia
The southern hemisphere has its winter solstice in June, not December. On June 21st, Bolivians celebrate Willkakuti, which means "return of the Sun." They greet the dawn at ancient ruins.
India
In January, people celebrate Lohri and Makar Sankranti with bonfires and kite-flying. These festivals mark the start of spring.
Peru
On June 24th, Peruvians celebrate Inti Raymi, named after the Incan Sun god. They have colorful dances and parades.
Portugal
The Entrudo Carnival is a fun festival with costumes and mischief. People throw water and flour at each other.
UK
In Brighton, people celebrate the Burning the Clocks Festival. They make paper lanterns and burn them in a big bonfire on the beach.
© Hayley Bennett / Our Media
Solstice (noun): The shortest or longest day of the year.
Celebrate (verb): To do something special for an important event.
Festival (noun): A special event with activities and celebrations.