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Midsummer

With roots in pagan times, Midsummer is a celebration of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, but it is also a celebration of life and love.

Photo credit: Faramarz Gosheh/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer in Sweden – a cherished tradition

The successful midsummer never-ending lunch party formula involves flowers in your hair, dancing around a pole, singing songs while drinking unsweetened, flavoured schnapps. And downing a whole load of pickled herring served with delightful new potatoes, chives and sour cream. All in all, a grand day out.

Strawberry cake and the taste of Swedish summerIf you want to know what Swedish summer tastes like, look no further than Swedish strawberry cake.Smoked salmon and Aquavit – How to do midsummer like a Swede Midsummer at SkansenEnjoy a traditional midsummer at Skansen.

When is Midsummer?

Midsummer Eve in 2021 is on 25 June.

Where can you usually celebrate Midsummer?

Skansen, public parks, gardens, summer cottages, in fact, anywhere in Sweden will do as long as it is outdoors.

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Midsummer flower crown

Midsummer is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden. People traditionally pick flowers and create their own floral crowns which they wear throughout the day. It is also said that if you place seven types of flowers under your pillow at midsummer, you will dream about your future spouse.

Photo: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se

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Midsummer flower crown

Photo: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se

La fête de la Saint Jean en Suède

Photo: Christian Ferm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer

Photo: Faramarz Gosheh/imagebank.sweden.se

Flower wreath

Photo: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se

Midsummer celebration

Photo: Stefan Berg/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Strawberries

Photo: Carolina Romare/imagebank.sweden.se

Flower wreath

Photo: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se

Who can celebrate midsummer?

Everyone!

How to do Midsummer like a local

Get invited by a local. You will probably go to someones summerhouse ('landställe') which will ensure you get the full experience.

If you're not lucky enough to get an invite, a safe bet to celebrate with Swedish friends (that you don't know yet) is visiting Skansen in Stockholm or visit a public park.

For a really traditional celebration, Dalarna is the place to be. They arrange multiple events leading up to the big day. In Gothenburg, the festivities is at Gunnebo castle and gardens.

Traditional Midsummer celebration in Dalarna. Photo: Lars Dahltröm