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Solstice fire in Rosenheim: Festive magic until the night!
On June 22nd, 2025, Rosenheim and the surrounding area celebrated the summer solstice with traditional solstice bonfires and festivities.
Solstice fire in Rosenheim: Festive magic until the night!
On the night of June 21st to 22nd, the summer solstice is duly celebrated in many regions, including in Rosenheim, where the solstice celebrations took place in Westerndorf am Wasen and Oberwöhr. The custom of solstice fires, which is deeply rooted in the history of the Celts, Germanic peoples and Slavs, made the atmosphere blossom on this mild summer night. The festivals, which for many mark the shortest night of the year with their impressive bonfires and communal celebrations, attract young and old alike.
The Plattler group of the “Kaltentaler” Pang traditional costume club organized the festival in Westerndorf, where Sebastian Grießer and Anna Schaffer actively held the reins. The musical entertainment was provided by the Wasner Musi under the direction of Hans Rutz, while the young plattler groups under Martin Knobel also showed their skills. The anticipation was great, because the festival began with a solemn service in the impressive baroque round church of Saint Johann Baptist and Holy Cross, led by the city priest Thomas Schlichting. He spoke about the meaning of the solstice and honored Saint John the Baptist.
Summer solstice traditions and customs
A central part of the celebrations are the large fires that are traditionally lit in the evening. These symbolize the maximum position of the sun and the defeat of darkness. It used to be customary to dance naked around the fire and jump over the flames to purify yourself and leave the past behind you. It is said that herbs such as mugwort and St. John's wort were thrown into the fires to promote the growth of grain and strengthen vitality. In addition, women gather to make solstice wreaths made from the freshly collected herbs. These can be used throughout the winter and used to make lemonade, as tradition dictates.
The celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to live the feeling of community. At the festivals in Oberwöhr, the Oberwöhr Boy Scouts invited the guests to a social gathering where grilled dishes and home-baked cakes awaited the hungry visitors. It is not only a festival, but also a time in which many beliefs, myths and even the small people who are supposed to show themselves on Midsummer Night are part of the different customs.
A look into the future
The summer solstice not only marks a tradition, but also serves as an impetus for new beginnings and the sighting of new possibilities. Connecting with nature and celebrating with family and friends create lasting memories that will continue to be highly valued for years to come. In these current times, when we often live in hectic pace and stress, these celebrations invite you to pause, reflect and become aware of the beauty of life.
The midsummer fires in Rosenheim are therefore not only a festive event, but also an expression of cultural identity and community values. So it will be exciting to see how many more beautiful traditions will unfold around the summer solstice in the next few years.
For more information about the celebrations and traditions surrounding the summer solstice, please visit the coverage of innpuls.me, the cultural depth of taste-of-power.de and the customs desired.de.