'Tis the season of rejoicing and goodwill to all men!
The ancient Romans called it Saturnalia, the druids marked the festival of Alban Arthan and modern Christianity celebrates Christmas. While the name, traditions and even deities may have changed, the constant linking them through the ages is their alignment with the winter solstice.
Today, we've reached the shortest day of the year. Now, the planet's tilt will gradually decrease and we can join our forebears in celebrating this special time of year. The hours of daylight start to increase little by little, day by day, inching towards a warmer horizon.
There may still be colder days ahead, but we're officially on the downhill slope to summer. As sun-worshippers, that's something we can all get behind. Just like the civilisations that came before us, we'll observe this spiritual period with feasting and dance.
Perhaps it's pretty fitting we'll be doing so in the fabled hippy hangout of Las Dalias this weekend.
Free all night long for everyone, Friday 22 December sees Ibizan musician Iban Mendoza (pictured above) return to Akasha club. He's joined by Leo Arato and Deenara from 23:00 all the way until 05:00.
The following night, Progressive House maestro Guy Mantzur takes the reigns with support coming from Unders and Jaime Fiorito. Admission is free before 00:30 and ticketed thereafter. Of course, you save money by buying online in advance.
Two perfect winter warmers right there. Tickets can be found at the bottom of this page.
24 December being Christmas Eve, Las Dalias takes a hiatus from its usual Sunday programme but is back the following week with Keep On Dancing on Friday and Radio Slave, Kellie Allen and Igor Marijuan on Saturday. Then Sunday 31 December is the big New Year's Eve party.
This busy festive run-in represents the last chance to dance at Las Dalias for a short while, as we anticipate the traditional pause to the programme in January.
For full listings, please visit our party calendar. For everything else cultural and entertainment-wise this festive period, then check-out our event calendar.
