CubaPLUS Magazine

Perhaps many people do not know that this Saturday, December 21, is the shortest day of the year, that is, the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, which is also equivalent to the longest night.

This happens when the sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky, while at the pole there is total darkness continuously or twilight around its winter solstice. It is estimated that, in Cuba, for example, the longest night lasts about 14 hours, while in other countries in the hemisphere it can vary a little depending on the place it occupies on the planet. Precisely the opposite happens in the southern hemisphere.

That is, when this part of the globe experiences the winter solstice, in the south the summer solstice occurs. According to historical data, the winter solstice in some cultures was considered an important moment of the annual cycle.

It is known that in the Neolithic this phenomenon was used to program agricultural activities such as planting crops or slaughtering livestock to avoid feeding them. Also on this date in many countries celebrations are held. Some examples are Scandinavia, where large bonfires are burned to scare away evil spirits, while in England this day is propitious to visit the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge, about 130 kilometers from London.

In Japan it is traditional to take a bath with citrus juice or eat healthy foods, while in China it is celebrated by sharing abundant food with the family, balancing winter food (yin) with energy-rich foods (yang). In Canada, specifically in Vancouver, the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is celebrated, which includes lantern-making workshops, fire shows, music and other activities for everyone's joy.

Although there is no specific celebration in Cuba related to this day, you can do it in the way you like. You can walk along the Havana seafront, for example, or through Old Havana and perhaps go to the beach and take a dip, which is perhaps what Cubans always want, because do not forget that “Cuba is an eternal summer” and you can enjoy the sun and the sea at any time of the year.