Winter solstice – magic & pageantry!

Winter solstice – 9.09am Thursday 21^st June 2012

The Winter solstice marks the first official day of Winter. The Sun at midday will sit at it’s lowest point or altitude above the horizon creating what is aptly referred to as ‘the longest night’ or ‘the shortest day’. This solstice, both historically & traditionally, is recognized as a time of ‘re-birth’, a time for festival, ritual & celebration. Crops harvested, foods cellared & alcohol/spirits bottled & brewed earlier in the year are ready for consumption. While here in the South, we snuggle in and switch from white to red; for those in the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter solstice is a time of celebration for the survival of the ravages of cold temperatures passing.

On Saturday 23^rd June, head to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains for the 2012 Winter Magic Festival. The main drag, Katoomba street, is closed off for a grand display of pageantry & performance including; drumming, fire dancers, musicians, dancers, buskers, artists & much more. A perfect representation of the ‘festivals of the ancients’ in many communities around the globe. For more information check out www.wintermagic.com.au.