The maypole and flower crowns are key elements of the Swedish midsummer celebrations.
Every year around the summer solstice, Swedes gather to celebrate Midsummer, a festival marking the longest day of the year.
Held on the Friday between June 19 and June 25, although often lasting the full weekend, the Midsummer celebration is a time for outdoor gatherings, singing, dancing, and indulging in traditional food.
Rooted in ancient pagan traditions, this celebration honors the arrival of summer and the fertility of the Earth.
Whether you're in Sweden or celebrating elsewhere, Midsummer is a wonderful way to embrace the warmth and light of summer, Scandinavian style.
Midsummer Celebrations In Sweden
The heart of Midsummer celebrations lies in the outdoor gatherings that bring together family, friends, and even strangers.
One of the most iconic symbols of Midsummer is the maypole, or midsommarstång. This tall wooden pole, often adorned with birch leaves and wildflowers, becomes the centerpiece of the festivities and is a real icon of Swedish culture.
People of all ages gather around the maypole to sing traditional folk songs and perform lively dances. One of the most popular dances involves participants mimicking the movements of little frogs!
In addition to dancing, Midsummer is a time for enjoying delicious food. The traditional Swedish smorgasbord is a highlight, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the country's rich culinary traditions.
Pickled herring, known as sill, is a staple, often served with boiled potatoes, sour cream, and chives. Gravlax, or cured salmon, is another favorite, typically accompanied by a mustard-dill sauce. Small sausages, crispbreads, and various salads complete the feast.
Outdoor dinner parties are a common feature of Swedish midsummer celebrations.
To complement the meal, participants enjoy beer and snaps, a spiced, herb-infused liquor that adds a festive spirit to the occasion.
No Swedish Midsummer celebration is complete without the beautiful flower crowns, or midsommarkrans. These intricate wreaths, made from an assortment of summer flowers and foliage, are an integral part of the celebrations. Crafting these crowns is often a communal activity.
Why You Should Celebrate Midsummer, Swedish Style
Experiencing Swedish Midsummer offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant and joyful celebration that captures the essence of Swedish and Scandinavian culture.
For travelers, Midsummer is an ideal time to visit Sweden. The country's natural beauty is at its peak, with long daylight hours providing ample time to explore the picturesque landscapes.
If you are planning to visit Sweden to join in the celebrations, Visit Sweden maintains a list of public celebrations in the big cities and beyond.
Even if you’re not in Sweden, there’s nothing stopping you from adopting the festive spirit and celebrating Midsummer in your own way.
Hosting a family-friendly party is a fantastic way to embrace the tradition. You can create your own maypole, prepare a smorgasbord of Swedish dishes, and invite friends and family to join in the fun.
Crowns of flowers are made by children in Sweden as part of the Midsummer celebrations.
Making flower crowns is a delightful activity that adds an authentic touch to your celebration.
Midsummer is also a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the longest days of the year. Even without a party, simply spending time outdoors, whether in your backyard, at a local park, or by a nearby body of water, aligns with the spirit of the holiday.
Swedish Midsummer Celebrations In North America
It’s not just Sweden where you’ll find Scandinavian-style midsummer celebrations. Parts of Norway, Denmark, and Finland also mark this joyous occasion.
The tradition has also crossed the Atlantic to North America, where vibrant Midsummer festivities can be found in several regions, notably those rich in Scandinavian heritage.
Andersonville, Chicago
The Andersonville Midsommarfest street festival is one of the largest of its type in the United States. It features extensive festivities, including a maypole, traditional folk dancing, live music, and a variety of Swedish foods and crafts.
Chicago’s Swedish American Museum is among the participants, running the Swedish stage and a beer tent. Visitors should note the festival is held almost two weeks before the summer solstice, on the weekend of June 7-9.
American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis
The American Swedish Institute hosts a major Midsummer celebration that includes maypole dancing, live performances, children’s activities, and authentic Swedish cuisine. This family-friendly event draws visitors from across the region and is a significant cultural highlight in Minneapolis.
Rockefeller Park, New York City
The Swedish Midsummer Festival, presented by the Consulate General of Sweden, New York and Battery Park City Authority, features dancing, Swedish music, and a market with Swedish foods and crafts. Located in Lower Manhattan, it showcases Swedish culture to a diverse, extensive audience in a vibrant urban setting.
Other Notable Celebrations
It’s impossible to list every Swedish midsummer celebration in North America, but other notable events include the Midsummer’s Festival at Lindsborg, Kansas, the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Golden, Colorado, and events organized by the Vasa Order of America.
