Midsommarafton

Midsommarafton can be translated “midsummer eve” and marks the Friday before midsummer day which is always placed on the Saturday closest to June 24th. For that reason this year the folk festival was celebrated on the last weekend of June. Depending on the towns or villages the occasion is carried out, there could be events dated for the actual midsummer day, even though most places celebrate the traditional fest on the Friday before that is also a national holiday.

As for our region, the most popular place to go for those cultural happenings is Högbo, an touristic, traditional looking area with many activities, events, and natural places that give the perfect environment for such a day. Together with friends and family, people from all over come to join the party. During the day there are stands for food and drinks, local stores are open, and everyone can enjoy live music and activities for kids. Most people also prepare their little picknick for lunch to have a good time even before the actual ceremony starts.

During the whole week the weather was amazing, also on midsummer eve. With 30 degrees and sunshine we first explored the area and later set up a picknick for lunch. Then in the afternoon, the fest was opened with traditional music and the lifting of the midsummer tree. After that dancers dressed in Swedish folk clothes did an performance and later everyone was able to join the so well-known ring dance. It was an unique experience to be part of all the Swedes dressed in floral dresses or nice shirts with flower crowns holding hands with each other and dancing and singing around the tree.

After that just as usual in the northern country most people left the public ceremony and continued celebrating in a smaller more familiar circle. Because of the heat our group decided to move our picknick area towards the lake in order to cool down a little while swimming. In this way and with more snacks and talks we enjoyed our afternoon in the nature. With time it also became little less warm and crowded and we were able to start preparing and later on enjoying the BBQ.

We had an amazing evening in a beautiful environment with delicious food and great conversations before we then walked two hours back home. Even after midnight there was still light, the sunset was followed by the sunrise. Experiencing that together with the picture-perfect Swedish midsummer celebration made me so thankful once again!

With this celebration and the amazing hot summer weather we finally welcomed summer time and me also my first vacation. Next week I have some days off to go hiking with a friend. I`m so excited and can`t wait for another great adventure!