A mysterious place
The site where Stonehenge was raised was home to secret ceremonies for thousands of years. The origins of the monument remains a mystery, with nobody being sure how or why it was built. Thee stones are aligned to fit sunset on the winter solstice and sunrise on the summer solstice, showing that the ancient people had knowledge of the sky and the seasons.
Today thousands of people come to Stonehenge for the summer solstice. On the last occasion, over 35,000 people attended, incuding pagans, druids, hippies, families and curious partygoers. People are attracted not only by the mystical symbolism, but also by the fact that on this day and this day alone, access to the stones is free, and visitors can enter the circle to touch the stones. The celebrations start the evening before, with drumming, chants and curious ceremonies. Shortly before sunrise, people turn to the northeast and await the sun. However, Britain's climate means that the sunrise can rarely be seen properly. Once the sun has risen, the party continues with singing, dancing and other activities.
