Midsummer in Stockholm

Midsummer, or at least holidays resembling it, are celebrated in many European countries. But nowhere is Midsummer a bigger deal than in Sweden. So much so that Midsummer's Eve has been proposed as Sweden's National Day!

What's Midsummer?

Since the Midsummer is tied to the summer solstice, dates vary from year to year. But generally, Midsummer's Eve takes place sometime between June 19 and 26.

Midsummer's origins in Sweden have been debated: Was it a pagan ritual predating Christianity, or a Christian holiday, that over the centuries morphed into a secular festivity?

Regardless, modern Midsummer is basically a celebration of summer, light, and warmth. As it happens, many Swedes also start their summer vacation in conjunction with – or the weeks just after – Midsummer. So, in a way, it's also the start of the Swedish vacay season.

Flower wreaths and snaps: Swedish Midsummer traditions

The most common Midsummer traditions are raising and dancing around a maypole, various family-friendly pentathlons and games, Midsummer buffets, and maybe even a late-night skinny dip.

Ideally, you'll also want to make a summery and colorful flower wreath. A traditional flower wreath is made from at least 7 types of flowers (9 in some parts of Sweden). The flowers should be picked in silence, walking backward (be sure not to pick any protected flowers!). According to some, pickers also have to walk over 7 fences (still backward).

Some traditions go even further, saying that the flowers should be picked after the sun has set, by a graveyard or church (since the ground is consecrated), and preferably naked. But we'll leave that decision up to you!

The most common food items are different kinds of pickled herring, Västerbotten cheese pie, early potatoes, fresh strawberries, gravlax, and a variety of snaps. As in most cases, when small shots of snaps are involved, a short snapsvisa (drinking song) is sung before downing the glass.

More info on the food can be found on the Sweden.se webpage.