Midsummer, or the summer solstice, is a turning point in the year for the Northern Hemisphere. As summer officially begins, numerous countries hold their own, sometimes ancient, celebrations, to honor and welcome the new season. Many of these traditions pre-date Christianity but were adapted to incorporate saint's days, while others remain more or less true to their original form from centuries ago.
Intrigued? Click on to learn more about how the Midsummer is celebrated in different countries around Europe.