The Longest Night

Tonight is the winter solstice, the longest night of the year and a traditional time of celebration for almost every culture on the planet. Denverites can mark the imminent return of seeing the sun for more than a couple hours a day at the Dark Night Mysteries Solstice Celebration, tonight...

By Cory Casciato

December 20, 2007

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Tonight is the winter solstice, the longest night of the year and a traditional time of celebration for almost every culture on the planet. Denverites can mark the imminent return of seeing the sun for more than a couple hours a day at the Dark Night Mysteries Solstice Celebration, tonight at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street.

The evening begins with a dance performance by the Aztec dance troupe Danza Grupo Mitotilitzli. Following that, Fort Collins-based band Tuatha will play a set of Celtic-inspired, trance-inducing world music perfect for dancing. During intermission, join Sara Rain in a solstice ritual inspired by Native American and earth-based beliefs to welcome the return of the sun. But don't be turned off if your holiday traditions are more firmly rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition: All faiths are welcome, and all will find plenty to like. "If you feel like watching, then the Aztec dancers are for you. If you feel like dancing, then Tuatha is for you," says Rebecca Mercury. "There's a little something for everyone."

The festivities start at 8 p.m., and admission is $13. For more information, go to www.mercurycafe.com or call 303-294-9281.
Sat., Dec. 22, 8 p.m., 2007

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