Norway’s Sankthans Eve is traditionally celebrated on June 23.
Sankthans is the Norwegian name for Saint John’s Eve, the evening before Saint John the Baptist’s feast day on June 24. The date places the celebration close to the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice.
Norwegian communities have traditionally marked the evening with bonfires, outdoor gatherings, food, and music. Large communal fires are especially associated with coastal areas and public celebrations.
The date can be confused with Midsummer Day itself. Sankthans Eve is June 23, while Saint John’s Day is June 24. Norway’s modern observance is cultural and social for many people, even though its calendar origin is Christian.