Solstice

Today is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the first official day of summer and the longest day (and shortest night) of the year. It's also the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere; it's the shortest day of the year today in countries like Australia, Argentina, and South Africa. Down there, the summer solstice is in December.
The term solstice comes from the Latin words for "sun" (sol) and "standing still" or "stoppage" (stice). On this longest day of the year, the sun appears as if it were standing still in the sky. There are big celebrations in Northern Europe today, many of which go back to ancient pagan times and incorporate bonfires, dancing, feasting, and staying up all night to welcome the dawn. One of the biggest destinations for the summer solstice is Stonehenge in England; today it is the place for New Agers such as neo-druids, neo-pagans, and Wiccans to gather, along with college-age revelers, wholesome families, romantic couples, and shoestring backpackers. And it's the only day of the year the park service offers free parking, free admission, and the opportunity to stay at the monument overnight.
The day is also celebrated in China by honoring Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light.
Today is also Midsummer in the ancient world, and it lends its name to one of Shakespeare's plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream, a romantic comedy about young lovers, amateur actors, royalty and fairies. It's set in a magical moonlit forest. It's one of the most popular Shakespeare plays to produce, and it's been staged in New York's Central Park on numerous occasions.