Large crowds assembled at the ancient monument of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, yesterday, to mark the winter solstice with the sunrise.
Many attendees, often dressed as druids or witches, arrived early in the chilly darkness, forming multiple drum circles, participating in group chants, taking selfies, kissing and hugging the structures and occasionally engaging in quiet contemplation beside the massive stones.
Marking the shortest day of the year north of the equator, visitors frequently make the pilgrimage to this ancient site for seasonal solstices, some partaking in pagan rituals and reasoning.
The structure, constructed thousands of years ago by Neolithic farmers and long recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features alignments that track the sun’s positions during these events, reflecting their significance in early agricultural societies.
Organizers from English Heritage, who oversee the site, reported that around 8,500 people attended.
