Midwinter

Midwinter crew portrait. Credits: ESA/IPEV/PNRA

ESA-sponsored medical doctor Beth Healey writes about the midwinter celebrations at Concordia:

Midwinter is a traditional Antarctic celebration and can be traced back to early Antarctic expeditions. This year marked the centenary of British Explorer Shackleton’s midwinter which their expedition celebrated whilst stuck in sea ice, not knowing if they would enjoy a safe return.

Here at Concordia we celebrated over a long weekend and enjoyed a host of activities organised by the crew. These included themed parties, a Billiards tournament, Scott-Amundson pulk hauling race, a ‘Don’t Panic’ Band concert (thanks for the name Samantha!), far too much delicious food as well as a commemorative dinner to celebrate Shackleton’s expedition.

Midwinter Moon. Credits: ESA/IPEV/PNRA-B. Healey

We also enjoyed receiving midwinter greetings from overwinter crews from across the continent as well as a skype call to the French crew at the Dumont d’Urville Station station on midwinter’s day. It gave a real sense of comradery between not only our own crew but also the international scientific community and technical support teams who are privileged to call this vast continent their home for the year.

I would also like to personally thank everyone who sent us a midsummer picture this year!