also: げしさい
noun
midsummer festival; summer solstice celebration; St. John's Day
Refers to festivals held around the summer solstice, often with bonfires and traditional rituals. In Japan, it may be associated with local Shinto observances or modern events inspired by European midsummer traditions. The term can also refer to the Christian feast of St. John the Baptist.
北欧では夏至祭に大きな火を焚く。
In Northern Europe, they light large bonfires for the midsummer festival.
地元の神社で夏至祭が行われた。
A summer solstice celebration was held at the local shrine.
Compound of 夏至 (geshi, 'summer solstice') and 祭 (matsuri/sai, 'festival'). The term likely entered Japanese through cultural exchange with European midsummer traditions, but is now used for both foreign and domestic solstice celebrations.