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This year June 21st will mark the official day of the Summer Solstice and many are left pondering what exactly does that mean.

The summer solstice also called the estival solstice or midsummer, occurs when one of Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere, and typically falls on June 21, but can also fall on June 20 or June 22 resulting in the longest day of the year.

For several days or weeks before and after June 21, those living in the Arctic, including parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Scandinavia, will have continuous daylight resulting in what is known as the midnight sun.

Throughout history, the summer and winter solstices have helped mark the changing of the seasons by using different methods in different cultures.

In England, they have the historic Stonehenge rocks that was built to align with the sun on the solstices. On the day of the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the northeast part of the horizon, and the first rays of sunshine will shine into the heart of Stonehenge.

Thousands of people still flock to the landmark to this day to celebrate and carry out sacred rituals to honor the life, death, and rebirth of the sun cycle.

Similar to the England celebrations, Sweden, Finland El Salvador, and the Inca people of Bolivia all have festivals where they dance and celebrate with family and friends to commune with mother earth. New York City even has a huge yoga class in the middle of Time Square to recenter and focus on the here and now.

Check out our list of Summer Solstice celebrations happening right here in H-Town.

Summer Solstice Sunrise Flow
Wed, Jun 21, 6 AM – 8 PM CDT
The Center for the Healing Arts & Sciences
320 Branard St, Houston, TX

Summer Solstice Ceremony
Wed, Jun 21, 5:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Hermann Park, 6001 Fannin St
Houston, TX

Montie Beach Park Summer Solstice Celebration
Wed, Jun 21, 6:00 – 7:30 PM CDT
Montie Beach Park, 915 Northwood St
Houston, TX

Kids Fun Fest & Sound Bath Summer Solstice
Thu, Jun 22, 9 AM – 1 PM CDT
WeHustle House Studios, 402 1/2, Avondale St
Houston, TX

Summer Solstice Festival “Potions & Brews” at…
Sat, Jun 24, 6 – 11 PM CDT
Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave
Houston, TX