Midwinter is celebrated across Antarctica

Antarctica is already the highest, driest, coldest, windiest, emptiest continent on the planet. During the Austral winter that stretches from late March through late September, it is also the darkest, with most of the continent experiencing 24 hours of no sunlight.

It is no surprise that for those working and living in Antarctica during this especially harsh time of year reaching the halfway point of winter is a time to celebrate. Celebrated annually on the Austral winter solstice, those working in Antarctica simply refer to it as Midwinter’s Day.

First celebrated in 1898 by the crew of the Belgian Antarctic Expedition, Midwinter’s Day is tradition recognized by each of the 40 research stations that remain operational through the winter. The stations, representing 21 different countries, all celebrate the day in unique ways. Most trade good wishes and greeting cards with each other and many, including the three U.S. National Science Foundation research facilities – McMurdo Station, Palmer Station and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station – enjoy a specially-prepared meal.

Beginning with President Eisenhower in 1959, Midwinter also has been recognized by the President of the United States, who sends an official greeting to Americans working through the winter in Antarctica. President Biden continued the tradition this year.

“Over the years, generations of courageous people have upheld our Nation's goals in supporting the Antarctic Treaty by driving international cooperation, maintaining an important presence in the region, and pioneering groundbreaking research that continues to expand our horizons. Each of you helps carry forward this storied legacy, and I am grateful for your drive and determination,” President Biden said in his message.

Below are some of the greetings from other stations and the Midwinter letter from President Biden who remarked, “The conditions and challenges you face require extraordinary endurance and fortitude. Every day, you overcome extreme adversity in pursuit of one single goal: changing the world for the better.”