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Australian Antarctica expeditioners celebrated the June 21 winter solstice by plunging into freezing cold water in a hole cut into ice.

After living without seeing the sun for weeks, the shortest day of the year represents a turning point for those living down south.

According to the Australian Antarctic Program’s website, there are 90 expeditioners wintering at Casey, Davis, Mawson and Macquarie Island research stations this year.

At Australia’s most remote station, Mawson, the sun is currently down all day, with the next sunrise not due until 29 June.

“This is a tradition in the Antarctic calendar to celebrate the middle of winter and the return of the sun. It’s madness, it’s ridiculous, but it’s what we do here in Antarctica,” Station Leader Rebecca Jeffcoat said.

The day is regarded as Antarctica’s Christmas with chefs preparing winter feasts while expeditioners craft and exchange handmade gifts. Credit: Australian Antarctic Division via Storyful