Long Days, Longer Dinners
The Summer Solstice arrives on Thursday, June 20, 2025—the longest day of the year and the unofficial kickoff to aperitivo season under the sun.
In Italy, long summer evenings are meant for al fresco dinners, clinking glasses, and lingering around the table with the people you love. So why not start the season off right?
Celebrate the solstice on our breezy terrace with fresh Italian flavors, summer cocktails, and golden hour that lingers just a little longer.
The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium, meaning “the sun stands still”—a nod to the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and appears to pause before the days begin to shorten again. For centuries, Italians have marked this solar turning point with mythology, ritual, and revelry.
Some legends describe the solstice as a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds thins—an open door between realms. Across Italy, from ancient Roman festivals to Renaissance cathedrals designed to track the sun, the day has inspired architectural marvels and celebrations rooted in light, community, and connection.
And while we can’t light a bonfire or gather herbs under the moonlight (as tradition says brings beauty and good luck), we can promise a table worth gathering around—and a menu that just might feel a little magical.
Reserve your table now and toast the longest day of the year with us. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a gathering of friends, or a solo moment to soak up the light—La Terrazza is the perfect place to welcome summer the Italian way.
La Terrazza’s Outdoor Bar Opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Our outdoor bar has always been a favorite for sipping on seasonal cocktails, crisp rosé, refreshing whites, and rotating draft beers—but now, you don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy it! Now open Tuesday through Thursday starting at 4 p.m. (and already open at 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday), it’s the perfect spot to stop by straight after work and celebrate aperitivo season.
Other Italian Summer Solstice Traditions
Curious how the solstice is celebrated across Italy? While every region brings its own flavor to the occasion, here are a few beloved traditions and customs that capture the spirit of this sun-soaked day:
Bonfires: A long-standing tradition throughout Italy, bonfires are lit to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. They’re often accompanied by dancing, music, and communal meals.
Regional Dishes: Different parts of Italy celebrate with unique foods tied to the season. In Tuscany, panzanella (a bread and tomato salad) is popular; in Rome, pollo ai peperoni (chicken with peppers); and in Sicily, gelu di muluna (a watermelon pudding).
Feast of St. John (Festa di San Giovanni): Celebrated on Saturday, June 24, 2025, this midsummer festival is closely associated with the solstice and includes traditional foods, herb gathering, and bonfires believed to ward off evil spirits.
Herb Gathering: On the night of the solstice, it’s customary in some regions to gather herbs and flowers believed to hold heightened healing and protective properties.
Water Rituals: In coastal areas, people may take a midnight swim or wash their face in dew or spring water at dawn for good luck and purification.
Ancient Roman Influence: The solstice was once tied to Vestalia, a festival honoring Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth, celebrated with rituals focused on family and home.
Neopagan and Folk Celebrations: Some Italians continue to observe solstice through modern pagan rites, traditional music, and dance gatherings rooted in ancient customs.
We look forward to celebrating the start to summer with you!
Sources:
Italian Cuisine Summer Solstice
June Solstice in Italy