CELEBRATING SUMMER SOLSTICE

Summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Also known as summertime, daylight savings time, June solstice, or midsummer; summer solstice marks the moment that the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, providing more than 17 hours of beautiful sunlight for you to enjoy.

WHEN IS THE SUMMER SOLSTICE?

Being a Northern Hemisphere country; summer solstice in the UK is on Monday 21^st June 2021 at 4.32am. It’s the same day in Italy, where it’s known as ‘solstitzio d’estate’, but at 5.32am local time.

You might not be keen on the idea of getting together with family and friends to watch the summer solstice sunrise on a Monday morning, but taking in the day’s lingering sunlight and (weather permitting!), beautiful sunset is a perfect alternative.

Italians experience joy from some of life’s most simple pleasures. The prospect of warmer weather, longer days and time outside with family and friends are prime moments to savour. Here are some ideas to help bring this passionate and authentic way of living to your summer solstice get-togethers:

APERITIVO

The much-loved Italian tradition of Aperitivo begins when late afternoon turns into evening, as the sun sets on the day. Instead of letting this summer solstice pass you by, reclaim the time by connecting with family or friends. Savour a BIRRA MORETTI L’Autentica, or BIRRA MORETTI Zero with a selection of light savoury dishes to whet your appetite before the main evening meal.

DISCOVER THE ITALIAN TRADITION OF APERITIVO HERE

LIGHT

Summer solstice is about celebrating light, so as the night sets in create a lifting ambience using simple string lights in the garden, small tealight candle glasses and floor-standing lanterns for balconies or hand-held lantern for picnics.

FIRE

Bonfires and fire play a role in the tradition of the summer solstice. If you’re getting together with family or friends in your garden and can safely do so, consider setting up a fire pit. It’s safer and more manageable than a bonfire, serves as a great showpiece, and will help to keep you warm once the sun goes down!

FEAST

Enjoy a solstice feast – head out to a local restaurant, or host at home using ingredients inspired by the colour of the sun; yellow tomatoes, colourful peppers, lemons, squash and corn all work well. Head over to our recipes page for more inspiration.

DISCOVER OUR RECIPES HERE

You can meet in a garden, on a balcony, in a local park, or keep it simple by heading out to a local restaurant with outdoors seating. Wherever you choose to go; make the most of the longest day of the year by sharing stories from your day and enjoying delicious food and great company with a perfectly chilled BIRRA MORETTI in hand, just as we do in Italy.