Midwinter Day

Midwinter Day, or Midwinter, is a special celebration that happens every year in Antarctica around the time of the southern winter solstice, usually on June 20 or 21. It is the main cultural holiday for the continent and is one of the two biggest holidays in Antarctica, along with Antarctica Day.

This day is especially important for the people who stay through the winter at Antarctic research stations. They use this day to come together, share stories, and enjoy each other's company. Even some people who are not in Antarctica also take part in the celebration.

Midwinter Day helps connect everyone who works or lives in Antarctica, no matter where they are, and marks the middle of the long, dark winter months.

History

In 1898, the crew of the Belgica were the first to spend Midwinter Day in Antarctica, though they did not celebrate it. The tradition of celebrating Midwinter Day began with Robert Falcon Scott and the crew of the Discovery Expedition on June 23, 1902. They made it feel like Christmas by eating special foods, decorating their space, and opening presents they had saved for this day.

Later expeditions, such as the Nimrod Expedition, Terra Nova Expedition, Australasian Antarctic Expedition, and the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, also celebrated with feasts, decorations, and performances. After World War II, when more year-round stations were set up in Antarctica, Midwinter Day became a big event across the whole continent, though each station celebrated in its own way.

Traditions

The main event of Midwinter Day is a special meal. Stations prepare fancy, many-course meals using their best ingredients. Since bringing in new supplies during winter is rare, stations save special foods just for this celebration. The meals might include foods like lobster and ribeye steak, which are brought in during the summer. In the past, people sometimes ate local animals like penguins and seals, but this is no longer allowed. Stations also decorate their dining areas for the holiday, often using flags. People usually dress up a bit more for these celebrations, and some stations exchange small gifts.

Another tradition is sending and receiving greetings. Leaders from countries with stations, like the President of the US and the Prime Minister of the UK, send holiday wishes to the people working there. People at the stations also often perform music, dances, or plays.

Some stations have special celebrations based on where they are or which country runs them. For example, the British stations get a special program from the BBC World Service. McMurdo Station picks a theme for its party, like "Under the Sea" or "The Endurance." Some places have fun activities like polar bear plunges or running outside, sometimes without clothes. In a few stations, the day starts with breakfast brought to people’s beds. Many stations also watch movies about being stuck in snow, such as The Shining or The Thing.

Celebrations outside Antarctica

Midwinter Day is mainly celebrated in Antarctica, but some people who used to spend the winter there still mark the day. They might share photos of Antarctica on social media or meet up with friends and colleagues who work there.