Winter Solstice

Around Australia, Winter Solstice bonfires have become increasingly popular as people gather together to celebrate the longest night of the year.
Societies throughout history and across the world host festivals and ceremonies to celebrate the winter solstice. Known as the day of the “sun’s rebirth”, winter solstice celebrations honour the symbolism of fire and light, along with life, death, the rising sun, and the moon.
In the northern hemisphere, June 21 marks the Summer Solstice and longest day of the year. Throughout Europe, Pagan celebrations to commemorate the sun are held including outdoor feasts, singing, dancing, and bonfires.
With a culture that combines Pagan and Christian religions, Roma culture is an ideal way to introduce your students to nature-based culture. A Nomadic Journey explores the origins of Roma culture through an interactive cross-continental performance. Using theatre, storytelling and puppetry, students discover the travels of the Roma people from India, across the Middle East and all the way to Spain.
Along the way, they will uncover how the Roma influenced the music, dance, dress and language of these regions.