Midsummer

The Midsummer holiday is celebrated on the weekend closest to 24 June, with Midsummer Eve on Friday followed by Midsummer Day on Saturday. Midsummer marks the longest day of the year, and the skies never really grow dark. We celebrate the light and the greening of the natural world.
Most Stockholmers decamp to the archipelago or the countryside during Midsummer weekend, but those who stay behind in the city have many options, too. Skansen, the world´s oldest open- air museum, holds a grand and festive Midsummer celebration, with dancing and games to the tones of Swedish folk music. Many participants wear traditional folk costumes and wreaths of flowers in their hair. Midsummer is celebrated in similar fashion at locations throughout Stockholm.
Midsummer should be celebrated outdoors. A maypole decorated with flowers, leaves and green boughs is raised in a meadow. The maypole is put together in the shape of cross with wreaths hanging from its crosspiece. Once the maypole has been raised, the party can begin, with dancing, singing and games around the maypole followed by traditional dishes including herring (marinated with vinegar, sugar, onions and spices) and new potatoes. Beer and snaps wash down the food. After the meal, participants move on to an open- air dance floor or waterside landing where they dance to the accordion and fiddle.

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Contact Information

Midsummer
Djurgårdsslätten 49
115 93 Stockholm

Tel. +4684428000

http://http://www.skansen.se