(Photo by Davide Biscuso)
Midsummer is a family-oriented holiday celebrated close to nature, and many people head out to the countryside, often returning to their hometowns to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
History of Midsummer
Midsummer originates from pre-Christian times in Sweden. Back then, the summer solstice held great significance for the people of the North. It was a fertility festival with rituals to bring good luck and fertile soil for crops [1]. Even today, there's a certain mystique surrounding Midsummer, and it remains a vital part of Swedish culture and celebrations.
Maypole (Midsommarstång)
Just as the Christmas tree is essential for Christmas, the Maypole is the centerpiece of Midsummer celebrations, adorned with flowers and greenery. During the festivities, participants gather to dance and sing traditional songs that are hundreds of years old. The dancing and singing around the pole are playful and flirtatious, spreading much laughter and joy.
midsommarstång - maypole, photo by Mikael Kristenson
Food and Snaps
Snaps, a strong alcoholic drink, is consumed in abundance during Midsummer celebrations. The traditional food is similar to Christmas dinner, featuring pickled herring, boiled potatoes, salmon, and grilled meats. Fresh summer herbs like dill, sour cream, and chives are used to make the food more summery. Traditional drinking songs, known as snapsvisor, are commonly sung while enjoying snaps with the meal. The most popular one is "Helan går" [2].
Midsummer celebration in three big cities
Stockholm
- Skansen: where festivities last three days, featuring dancing around the Maypole and various events from Friday to Sunday.
- Rålambshovsparken: The non-profit organisation Nema Problema hosts a celebration starting at 11:30, featuring activities like communal picnics, tip-promenades, and other games.
Midsummer celebrations in Gothenburg
- Slottskogen: The celebration begins at 16:00 in front of Björngårdvillan
- Skärdgården: including events on Rörö, Öckerö, and Hyppeln
Midsummer Celebrations in Malmö [3]
- Bulltofta: The Leisure Administration organises the Midsummer celebration, so bring your own flowers to decorate the Maypole.
- Folkets Park: A celebration suitable for the whole family, featuring music entertainment from Cykelorkestern, Hembyggsgillet, and Malmö Spelmanslag.
