Another favorite transformation of Otavalo’s famous textiles, clothing makes up a lot of the products for sale as well. The Otavalo market elevation of 2600 masl, is slightly lower than the the Quito at a distance of 110 km from the Otavalo Market Ecuador. Everything from marriage to the day of the dead is celebrated. This paradise in the cloud forest is famous for birdwatching, waterfall hikes, ziplining, and much more! - check out the beautiful and peaceful Atallaro Hospedaje located on nearby the nearby San Pablo lake. The town has become a tourist center and it has brought more visitors. The small town of Otavalo in Ecuador has a surprise in store for visitors: This unassuming outpost in the Andes is home to the largest market in all of South America. This town is only two hours from Quito, approximately 90km (56 miles) away, so if you are looking to go from Quito, you can go there on a day trip. Rooms are very comfortable and inviting and the ground are beautiful. Many of Otavalo’s mid-range hotels are located in the countryside, but La Posada del Quinde is the perfect combination of staying in town and feeling like you’re on a country retreat. The Otavalo market is the largest market of its kind in South America. And I’m sharing it all for you here. Otavalo has much to offer visitors, beyond the famous Otavalo Market. Otavalo is the Imbabura province This city is very famous for tourist. An enormous lake inside an inactive volcano, just 20 minutes taxi from the town. Take the time to learn a few words! Check out our guide to the best non-touristy, off the beaten path things to do in Quito, Ecuador. Otavaleños (people of Otavalo) are particularly known for their fine wool textiles. Men wear ponchos and felt hats, and women wear embroidered blouses, black skirts, gold beaded necklaces and red beaded bracelets. Private tours are also available and can be personalized - a popular day tour is offered by Rebecca Adventure Travel, and includes a visit to the market as well as visiting other local attractions as well. Perhaps what the Otavalo region is best known for is the extraordinary textiles and handicrafts of its Otavalo Market—the oldest and largest Indian handicrafts market in all South America—famous for its typical leather, wood, weaving, and dough markets. The market tradition has grown and expanded ever since. 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They have quite a variety of things on offer. It is worth a quick visit! The average temperature here is 15°, this is consistent all year round due to how close the town is to the equator; the sun’s rays are very strong. The moral of the story is… come prepared to bargain! Popular options include grilled bananas (sometimes sold split open with mild cheese inside), roasted corn on the cob, and stewed figs with cheese on bread. It has about 50.000 inhabitants and is the capital of the district of the same name. What is the Otavalo Market? The biggest and most popular market days at the Otavalo market are Saturdays, and to a lesser extent, Wednesdays. The indigenous Otavalo people are famous for weaving textiles, usually made of wool, which are sold at the famous Saturday market. on the map below. In addition to the artisan products, there is also a livestock market in the city. For more information, see our disclosure policy. Choose the stalls that have people already eating at them - if they’re locals, even better. Here you’ll find vendors selling fruit and vegetables as well as bread, grains, and spices. If you want to try it - it’s good! Rebecca Adventure Travel is a fantastic, small travel company in Quito offering wonderful private tours of the market - and more! Thank you for your message. Take a look and allow yourself to be blown away by the handiwork. These are our favorite activities for a trip to Mindo! The ride from Quito is a mere 2 hours, so for those short on time, it could even fit as a day trip from Quito. Located in a small, unassuming mountain town outside of Quito, Otavalo is known around the world as the home of the largest market in South America. Haggling is not only expected, but enjoyed by the vendors. Don’t miss out on this place! Famous worldwide for the textiles and handmade artisanal products, there is enough here to lose yourself for hours amongst the small stalls. Situated only two hours north of the capital city of Quito, Otavalo is a hot new destination that should be on every travelers radar. Keep reading for all of my top tips of how to maximum your Otavalo market experience - after visiting so many times, I’ve learned a lot about what to do and what not to do! First of all, the U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador. Because of the lower elevation, altitude sickness should not be a problem if you have already acclimatized in Quito. The Muyu Beer Garden is everything you’d want from a beer garden and more with delicious craft beer, good food, a lovely terrace and frequent live music. This is more likely to bring you a better price. If this doesn’t satisfy your water kick, then Lagos de Mojanda is a great stop for you. While the market is a must on any self-respecting Ecuador itinerary, there are plenty more things to do in this culture-rich town. The Otavalo market is about a two hour bus ride north of Quito. As Otavalo is famous for its markets, so too, the surrounding towns are famous for their goods. From the North: You can make a stop over in Otavalo … Buses leave frequently from Quito’s Terminal Carcelén bus terminal in the north part of the city - about every 20 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of options of buses. Their superior skills in weaving led the Spanish to create workshops for the people of Otavalo. Read on to learn about their history and traditions. Most people come for the hundreds of booths full of ponchos, scarves, paintings, sweaters, and other handmade items, but there are two other markets nearby that don’t get as much attention: the animal market and the vegetable market. Make sure you take a few minutes to wander through this section of the market as well - you’ll learn a lot about Ecuadorian cuisine very quickly, and see fruits and vegetables you won’t find anywhere else. The Otavalo market is a place of history and tradition, continuing centuries-old artisan practices from around this northern town. Known for the physical landmark of its large volcano as well as the sprawling market, this small town is a great place for a day trip as it … These days it is a living museum to show the fabrics are made. Button up baby, we’ve got it here. Then, revisit the stalls with your favorite items at the most reasonable initial prices. I stayed at Flying Donkey Hostel at least six or seven times while visiting Otavalo over the course of a few years - it was the only hostel I stayed at in Otavalo, and never found a reason to look elsewhere! The market is a must-see stop while in Ecuador, but don’t miss out on some of the other unique experiences that this incredible town has to offer. He clearly knew I had called his bluff and immediately offered a lower price. HelenaSt. This market is just outside of the city center near the Yana Yacu pools. Otavalo and the surrounding countryside has a largely indigenous population. Tourism in Ecuador before and after COVID-19, How I Traveled in Ecuador by Bus for One Year and Only Spent $99, Swinging at the End of the Earth: The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure, The Little Beach Town in Ecuador Where the Party Never Stops, The Explosive Truth About The Highest Volcano On Earth. Otavalo market is definitely a prime people watching spot. of Polynesia)MoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmar (former Burma)Namibia (former South-West Africa)NauruNepalNetherlandsNetherlands AntillesNevisNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorth KoreaNorth Mariana Islands (Saipan)NorwayOmanPakistanPalauPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugal (includes Azores)Puerto RicoQatarReunion (France)RomaniaRussiaRwanda (Rwandese Republic)SaipanSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbia and MontenegroSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporevSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSpainSri LankaSt. Buses are coach-style, and generally comfortable. Check out our complete guide to the best Ecuador Amazon tours to help decide which is best for you! Otavalo Market While Quito’s artisan market exhibits many Ecuadorian traditional goods, it cannot match the gargantuan market found it Otavalo. Otavalo market is located in an area that is made up of a farming community. Receive help and advice about queries that you have. By spending at least one night in Otavalo, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit: These are beautiful and impressive natural sites in the area and are both very close to Otavalo, so spending just a little more time here if your itinerary affords the time is well worth it. Otavalo is best known for its textiles and weaving, and it seems like the market is covered with blankets, table clothes, and wall hanging on display come Saturday. The crafts market’s epicenter is the Plaza de los Ponchos in downtown Otavalo. It is highly recommended to visit the Museo Vivente Otavalango in order to understand the effort required to make these intricate pieces and the history behind textile production in Otavalo. Taking around 2 hours from the Carcelén bus station and costing $2.50, it is a great day trip from the capital city. A taxi will cost $1.25 or you can walk in just a few minutes. Otavalo Market, locally known as Plaza de los Ponchos and Centenario Market is one of the largest indigenous market in Latin America. One of the best ways to dive into local culture during travel is by visiting a local market, and Latin America has countless markets to discover. Steph---As a long time resident of Otavalo, there is so much more to see than the market! The cafe is delicious and they serve a lot of options, and the pastries and sandwiches are great. There is plenty of silver, semi-precious stones like turquoise, as well as colorful, woven bracelets. If you’re looking to enjoy Otavalo’s countryside - a fantastic choice! Cities like Medellin and Mexico City are some of the top cities for digital nomads - but where else are digital nomads flocking to in Latin America? This beer garden is a relaxed little spot perfect for unwinding after a day at the market. Breakfast is included. You’ll find everything from stylish and modern sweaters to indigenous embroidered tops here. From either of these cities there are frequent buses to Otavalo. The Three Markets of Otavalo. People come from all over to bathe in the waterfall, which is said to have healing properties. Find and approach the ticket counter in the main hall to book tickets and see bus departure times. Because of Otavalo’s proximity to Quito, many tour companies offer half-day or full-day trips to the Otavalo market with private transportation included from Quito. It is located in the Imbabura province in the Otavalo district. Saturday return tickets in the mid afternoon can sell out fast. Most of the sellers there are native Otavalos – the women would be wearing strings of gold necklaces and dressed in long black skirts and white embroidered shirts, while the men wore a black hat and a dark-colored poncho. It’s absolutely expected that you will and vendors factor this in to the initial price they’ll offer you. Apr. The fabrics in this town have an enormously long history, dating back to pre-Inca times. The route is direct, and while you’ll twist and turn through the mountains you’ll have some incredible views during the trip. The Other Market: Otavalo’s Animal Market. For exclusive access to our best-kept travel secrets and viral digital freebies to help you create your dream travel story, sign up to our email list here! The Best Ecuador Jungle Tours in the Amazon, Ultimate Travel Guide to the Best Markets in Latin America, Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Latin America, Best Things to Do Off the Beaten Path in Quito. I enjoyed my stay and couldn’t recommend this place more! It’s expected! Plates of food are inexpensive, just a few dollars, and are filling and delicious. Located in the northern highlands of Ecuador, Otavalo is at the center of a largely indigenous area of the country. Many indigenous people in Otavalo speak Kichwa, a variant of Quechua spoken in Peru and Bolivia. Regardless of the day you visit, try to go early! Surrounded by the Andes mountains and three massive volcanoes, everyday here makes for some jaw dropping scenery. A visit to the Otavalo market is one of the most popular things to do in Ecuador. I’ve added some places I’ve mentioned in this article (and a few bonus recommendations!) The best way to get to Otavalo Market is from Quito. While these trips are most popular on Saturdays because the market is the largest, they can be arranged throughout the week as well. The indigenous Market of Otavalo is the most colorful and popular market in South America, you can find a lot of textiles, souvenir, fruits, local food, and many interesting things. Though the biggest market day is Saturday, any day in Otavalo is a treat for tourists seeking souvenirs of their travel to Ecuador. The craftsmanship is simply stunning. Always be sure to look after your belongings, at every tourist spot there is a potential for theft and pickpocketing. The market at Otavalo is a favorite for travelers and not to be missed - this is the largest market of its kind in all of South America! Much more to see, better bargains to be had. At the north end of the Plaza de Ponchos and in some of the surrounding streets you’ll find food stalls set up with benches and tables lined up for diners. Saturday is the most popular market day, as vendors set up within the Plaza de Ponchos and many of the surrounding streets, filling much of the city. This day tour of Otavalo and the surrounding areas is an extremely popular and inexpensive option for those looking for the ease and convenience of a tour, led by locals! Of the three different lakes of the volcano, you will find zorbing and jet skiing as well. Kichwa is the Inca language of Ecuador, and many different variations of it is spoken throughout the country, particularly in the Andean regions. Purses and duffel bags are popular choices from the Otavalo market as well, and come in everything from carefully crafted wool and leather purses and backpacks to inexpensive satchels and duffels made from patterned cotton weaves. If you’re planning on making Otavalo a day trip from Quito, secure your returning bus ticket to Quito as soon at you arrive at the bus station in Otavalo. Otavalo’s animal market is also a significant tourist attraction. At a road distance of ±100km from Quito, the Otavalo Indigenous Handicraft Market is located in the Andes of Ecuador. Given all of the above and its close proximity to Ecuador’s capital, Quito (about 90km), Otavalo had all the ingredients to catapult it into a thriving market center. If you can, try to make a visit on a Saturday to see the market and town in its glory! One material you’ll see a lot of is tagua - this smooth nut native to Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil is also known as “vegetable ivory” for being identical to ivory but with cruelty-free origins. Otavalo is a historically indigenous agricultural community nestled among towering volcanoes. In Otavalo market, you can expect to find everything from handwoven fabrics to jewellery to tourist souvenirs to decorative swords. If you don’t want to leave the town, then there is an animal market that runs on Saturdays from 6am until noon. Inside, business is already taking place. However, there are some sellers and stalls there all week long. Depending on where you’re traveling from, it may be best to take a bus to Quito first, or alternatively to Ibarra, a large city north of Otavalo. If you’re thinking about getting some souvenirs from Ecuador, this is the place to do it. Colors are everywhere as you stroll down the hundreds of booths full of tapastries, handicrafts, blankets, ponchos scarves, paintings and sweaters. It is expected that you will bargain at the market - in fact, you should. The town of Otavalo has many rich traditions and a huge amount of history. The surrounding countryside is stunning, with lots of natural beauty like volcanos, lakes, rivers, and even the impressive Laguna Cuicocha volcanic crater lake. The Otavalo people’s history is as storied and complex as their garments. As noted by Lonely Planet, ‘Otavalo’s market is legendary’. The grounds of this hotel are huge and lush, with beautiful views of the mountains, and rooms are comfortable. Otavalo Market. If you want to experience the full rush of the place then these are the days to go, judge your timings accordingly. This highland town has a strong indigenous community who earn a living making and selling their beautiful textile products. Our team will contact you via phone. Parceros is a simple restaurant with delicious and inexpensive options. When the Spanish came, their labor then began to profit the Spanish. You’ll have an amazing view of the lake and volcano, and can reach Otavalo with a short taxi ride. Jungle tours are one of the best ways to get to know the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador and experience all the wildlife and biodiversity the rainforest has to offer. Famous worldwide for the textiles and handmade artisanal products, there is enough here to lose yourself for hours amongst the small stalls. Vendors without throughout the market also sell street different street foods. Located in a valley in Imbabura, Otavalo is also a great base to visit the surrounding lakes, mountains, and villages. Make time to fit Otavalo and its surrounding in to your Ecuador itinerary - you will not regret it. Pulling out the calculator app on your phone and typing in the number you’re offering and showing it to the vendor is an easy solution as well. It only takes around 2 hours to reach Otavalo from Quito, making it a popular day trip, especially during market day on Saturdays. It’s a part of the Otavaleño culture, and successful bartering earns respect from sellers. Head to Cotacachi and explore the center of Ecuador’s leather industry. The best way to begin bargaining is asking the prices of items you’re interested in, but wandering through the market and looking for similar items beforehand to get a comparison. Check out our guide to the top cities for digital nomads - and the ones you should skip! Men wear ponchos and felt hats, and women wear embroidered blouses, black skirts, gold beaded necklaces and red beaded bracelets. Please select an option9:00am to 11:00am11:00pm to 1:00pm1:00pm to 3:00pm3:00pm to 5:00pm5:00pm to 7:00pm, A HOP-ON, HOP-OFF BUS SERVICE CONNECTING ECUADOR – ALL ENQUIRIES (BOOKING, INFO, PRESS). The market in Otavalo is what draws tourists here, but this little town has much more to explore, not just a market. It’s said that if a person bathes in the lower waterfall wearing just their underwear, they will be cleaned of bad luck and illness. There are plenty of different souvenirs for sale at the market - everything you can imagine you’ll find here, from t-shirts and keychains to mugs, glassware, and so much more. HelenaSt. In San Antonio there is a wonderful world of carved wood to discover, with picture frames, bed posts, and other furniture of all varieties. If you’re looking to see another side of the market in Otavalo, visit the animal market in the morning - by 7:00AM it will be in full swing, but lasts for a few hours. Kitts/NevisSt. He wandered around the market after us, popping up and stopping us at least three different times, offering as low as $20 for the items we wanted! Many of the Otavaleño people use traditional clothes. Everything from dreamcatchers, hand-painted plates and traditional nut jewelry, to indigenous costumes, fake shrunken heads and every spice you could imagine. of Polynesia)MoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmar (former Burma)Namibia (former South-West Africa)NauruNepalNetherlandsNetherlands AntillesNevisNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorth KoreaNorth Mariana Islands (Saipan)NorwayOmanPakistanPalauPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugal (includes Azores)Puerto RicoQatarReunion (France)RomaniaRussiaRwanda (Rwandese Republic)SaipanSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbia and MontenegroSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporevSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSpainSri LankaSt. The musicians play music and the people dance. The guinea pigs, called “cuyes,” you’ll see for sale at the market aren’t for pets. Otavalo Tour from Quito Visiting Cayambe, Indigenous Market, Small groups cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Plus, the restaurant downstairs has delicious and inventive options you won’t find anywhere else in town. How to Arrive. Experiencing the Amazon on a Budget in Tena, Ecuador, A Guide to Mindo: Ecuador's Cloud Forest Paradise. The small town of Otavalo in Ecuador has a surprise in store for visitors: This unassuming outpost in the Andes is home to the largest market in all of South America. At a distance of roughly 100km, a taxi isn’t really worthwhile. This is a delicious spot for breakfast as well. The Otavalo Market is not like shopping in a regular store. However, Wednesday is the 2nd biggest day and bigger than any of the other days. Otavalo market is a market located in Ecuador. Also hand made jewelry and artwork. Spanish speakers will recognize the name of the restaurant and know they’re in for some delicious Colombian food - you can’t go wrong with the arepas, and their larger plates are generous. Otavalo is world-famous for its indigenous population, the so-called Otavalos, many of which are travelling around the world to sell their famous handicrafts or play in Andean Folk music groups. The Otavaleño indigenous people have been known for their weaving since pre-Inca times, and this is part of how the market got its start. Pierre &(et) Miquelon (France)SudanSurinameSwazilandSwedenSwitzerlandSyrian Arab Republic (Syria)Tahiti (French Polynesia)TaiwanTajikistanTanzania (includes Zanzibar)ThailandTogo (Togolese Republic)TokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTuvalu (Ellice Islands)UgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUruguayUzbekistanVanuatu (New Hebrides)Vatican CityVenezuelaViet NamVirgin IslandsWallis and FutunaWestern SamoaYemen (People's Democratic Republic of)Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen)Yugoslavia (discontinued)ZaireZambiaZimbabwe, What time should we call you? There is much more hustle and bustle in the morning, with vendors packing up in the mid afternoon. This is a lovely escape from Otavalo. Lots of clothing and alpaca accessories. They’ll know where and what to eat. Taxis from within Quito shouldn’t cost more than $10, but I always recommend asking the cab driver to put on the “taximetro” taxi meter reader - sometimes they won’t. Buses run multiple times of the day, every day from Carcelén bus station. Check out our travel guide to visiting some of the best, from Guatemala and Ecuador to Argentina and Uruguay. Otavalo market is, of course, wonderful, and is open every day, from around 9am to 5pm during the week. The conditions of these workshops were hard and the labor was intensive. Many of the Otavaleño people use traditional clothes. Of course, the main event, the showstopper, what you’re all here to see, is the textiles. Great Market Hosted by the Indigenous People of Otavalo. The market is a hustle and bustle of lively action. The Otavalo Market is probably the largest in South America. The local people have become famous for their textiles and crafts. I Swam in an Active Volcano and Survived! Spanish is also widely spoken. Sales get going between 8 AM and 9 AM, winding down about 3 PM. It’s become insanely popular as one of the must see attractions in Northern Ecuador. From there, take a bus to Cooperative Otavalo, or to Cooperative Los Lagos. Book a return ticket from the bus station in Otavalo. Top Travel Tips of Serial Travelers guide for more travel tips! You’ll also see a lot of gold beaded necklaces of all sizes and stacks of red beaded bracelets - these are the bracelets traditionally worn by Otavaleño indigenous women. It might help you land a cheaper price in the market if you communicate in their mother tongue. Carley Rojas Avila | 27 November 2020. Eating guinea pig is a local delicacy in Ecuador and Peru. The people in this region have … This way you’ll be able to beat a lot of the visitors coming to Quito for a day trip, and have a relaxed morning. Otavalo and the surrounding countryside has a largely indigenous population. This was a fair size market. Terminal Carcelén in Quito is easily accessible by several public bus lines for $0.25 or by taxi. Take a hike around it or up to one of the mountains close by. These are very popular and are now sold in every color under the sun. You will also find Kichwa Peoples, Afro-Ecuadorians, Mestizos and several different variations of the Kichwa language amongst the stalls! With every farm animal imaginable, rabbits, guinea pigs and plenty more for sale, this is an animal lover’s paradise. Check out our - you can find it in many local restaurants. This will help you weed out highly overpriced offers. I found souvenirs to be cheaper here than they are are handicraft markets in Quito or other major cities when you bargain. 11. There are plenty of other hikes and activities to be found around the town: go abseiling, canyoning or even head off into the countryside on horseback. The famous craft market is the main draw, and has turned this once quiet farming town into a thriving tourist center. Leather shirt? Otavalo is a relatively compact, small city and it’s easy to find your way, especially if you’re planning on staying in town and visiting the market. The people here are still very much in touch with their indigenous roots. Day in, day out there is plenty to see, and of course, plenty to buy! You will find everything leather here, and most of the goods are made in the back of the shop. Ensure that you are wearing sunscreen and a sunhat, even if it doesn’t feel hot. Otavalo also has a rich indigenous music scene, with musicians traveling worldwide to showcase their art at different festivals and events. Alternatively, take a kayak or speed boat out onto the water, provided by the locals for just a couple of dollars. You can usually expect to get an item for a half or two thirds of the price that you’re initially offered. On these days the market runs from 7 am until 6 pm. Otavalo's market is legendary, but it shouldn't be the only reason you come to this charming Andean minicity. Their long hair braided and wrapped in colorful ribbons. In fact, they make up only 50% of the town’s population. I told the vendor that was outrageous and walked away. They’re famous for it! Kitts/NevisSt. Pierre &(et) Miquelon (France)SudanSurinameSwazilandSwedenSwitzerlandSyrian Arab Republic (Syria)Tahiti (French Polynesia)TaiwanTajikistanTanzania (includes Zanzibar)ThailandTogo (Togolese Republic)TokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTuvalu (Ellice Islands)UgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUruguayUzbekistanVanuatu (New Hebrides)Vatican CityVenezuelaViet NamVirgin IslandsWallis and FutunaWestern SamoaYemen (People's Democratic Republic of)Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen)Yugoslavia (discontinued)ZaireZambiaZimbabwe, When should we call you? There’s a smattering of traditional food stalls cooking up a storm too, of course, and fresh fruit juices to sip on as you get lost in the maze of Otavalo market’s stalls. Otavalo Animal Market Starts Early. Ecuador is a South American country located in the northeastern part. You may need to purchase an inexpensive bag to carry your purchases from the market… I speak from experience here! The shops sell textiles such as handmade blankets, tablecloths, and much more. Here you’ll find locals buying and selling all kinds of animals, including pigs, sheep, horses, rabbits, and even llamas. Otavalo Market: The Place For Your Best Market Experience When You’re In Ecuador. These tours are great options if you’re looking for the convenience of avoiding public transport and the ease of not having to plan ahead. Crowds are smallest before mid-morning. Another popular item on sale in Otavalo is jewelry, and here you’ll find it at every price point and in every style. Get there early to avoid the crowds. Discover and book Otavalo Tour from Quito Visiting Cayambe, Indigenous Market, Small groups on Tripadvisor $ This takes place every year in order to celebrate the summer solstice.