Andorra issued a special €2 coin in 2023 to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Celebrated in many European countries, including Spain, the holiday symbolizes the beginning of summer and has pagan roots.
The obverse of the coin features a robed man symbolically lighting a bonfire, reflecting the tradition of celebrating Ivan Kupala. On the night of June 23-24, it is customary to light bonfires and set off fireworks, which is associated with the purifying power of fire and its role in pagan rituals12. Bonfires serve as the center of the celebration, around which people gather to dance and sing45.
The background of the coin features the sun, emphasizing the connection with the summer solstice. The year of issue (2023) and the name of the country (Andorra) are also indicated on the coin.
Thus, this coin is not only a monetary token, but also a cultural artefact reflecting the traditions and customs of celebrating the summer solstice in Europe.
The coin is presented in a luxurious numbered plastic blister.
_FR+NL-200x200.jpg "Belgium 2 euro BU 2019 - 25th Anniversary of the European Monetary Institute - NL+FR")
