Despite being under curfew, Ukrainians celebrated midsummer with traditional festivals that have pagan roots. The festivities included lively folk dancing, decorating with flowers, and the daring act of jumping over bonfires. Despite the ongoing war-time restrictions, the spirit of the celebration remained strong as people came together to honor this ancient tradition.

Thousands of brave individuals in Hobart, Australia celebrated the winter solstice by participating in a unique tradition - swimming naked in the River Derwent. Approximately 3,000 people took the plunge into the chilly waters to commemorate the shortest day of the year. The event, which has become a popular annual tradition, saw participants shedding their clothes and diving into the river to embrace the winter season. Despite the cold temperatures, the swimmers embraced the experience with enthusiasm and joy. The winter solstice marks the official beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere, and the event in Hobart is a symbolic way for people to connect with nature and celebrate the changing of the seasons. Overall, the naked swim in the River Derwent was a fun and memorable way for Australians to embrace the winter solstice and welcome the colder months ahead.