Solstice Celebrations in Vancouver

by Robert Worcester

A 20 ft kerosene-soaked image of the Sun was ignited on a hill while Tyko drummers drummed accompaniment to a dozen torch-bearing dancers.

Fire breathers (spewers?) performed while processions of costumed lantern-bearers marched along a kilometre of candle-lit seawalk.

Ukranian Caroleers on stilts sang along with Morris dancers and penny-whistle players. Afterwards some line-danced while others slow-stepped silently through a huge lanterned labyrinth in a darkened gymnasium to Gregorian chants accompanied by saxophone. ( I'm not making this up :)

On New Years Day at noon churches in each time zone around the world will ring their bells to announce the 3rd millennium message,
"Peace on Earth - Good will to all"

Just maybe 2000 will be a good year.