What is Midsummer?

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All you need to know to join in on the Solstice celebration this weekend!

Midsummer, or Midsommer is a Swedish holiday that has been celebrated for centuries, dating back to pre-Christian times. This holiday is celebrated on the summer solstice, typically on the Friday between June 19 and June 25. It is a time when Swedes come together to celebrate the arrival of summer and the long days of sunshine that characterize this time of year.

One of the most iconic aspects of Midsommer is the maypole, a tall pole adorned with flowers and ribbons that is used as a centerpiece for dancing. This tradition has its roots in pagan rituals that celebrated the fertility of the earth. Today, the maypole is still a beloved part of Midsommer celebrations, and people of all ages dance around it, often wearing traditional folk costumes.

In addition to dancing around the maypole, Midsommer is also a time for enjoying traditional Swedish food. This includes pickled herring, boiled new potatoes, and strawberries. These foods are a staple of the holiday and are often served as part of a larger feast that brings family and friends together.

Midsommer celebrations in Sweden can last well into the night, with the sun barely setting at all in some parts of the country. This means that festivities can continue for hours on end, with people enjoying music, dancing, and good company. It is a time to relax, unwind, and soak up the warmth and joy of summer.

Overall, Midsommer is a beloved holiday in Sweden that celebrates the beauty of nature, the warmth of community, and the joy of summer. Whether you are a native Swede or a visitor to this beautiful country, Midsommer is an experience that you won’t soon forget.

If you’re looking to experience Midsommer in all its glory, there are plenty of places to go in Sweden and the surrounding countries. Here are ten of the top destinations for Midsommer celebrations:

  1. Stockholm, Sweden – The Swedish capital is a great place to experience Midsommer, with many festivities taking place in parks and public spaces throughout the city.
  2. Gothenburg, Sweden – The second-largest city in Sweden also has plenty of Midsommer celebrations, with traditional dancing, singing, and feasting taking place in parks and gardens.
  3. Helsinki, Finland – The Finnish capital is another great place to experience Midsommer, with many lakeside celebrations and bonfires taking place throughout the city and surrounding areas.
  4. Oslo, Norway – Norway’s capital is known for its lively Midsommer celebrations, with many people gathering in public parks and gardens to dance, sing, and feast.
  5. Copenhagen, Denmark – The Danish capital is home to many Midsommer celebrations, with traditional dancing, music, and food taking place in parks and gardens throughout the city.
  6. Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland’s capital may be small, but it still has plenty of Midsommer festivities to offer, including bonfires, concerts, and traditional food and drink.
  7. Tallinn, Estonia – The Estonian capital is a great place to experience Midsommer, with many traditional celebrations taking place in the city’s parks and gardens.
  8. Riga, Latvia – Latvia’s capital also has many Midsommer celebrations, with feasting, dancing, and singing taking place in public parks and gardens throughout the city.
  9. Vilnius, Lithuania – Lithuania’s capital is another great place to experience Midsommer, with many traditional celebrations taking place in the city’s parks and gardens.
  10. St. Petersburg, Russia – Although not a Scandinavian city, St. Petersburg is still a great place to experience Midsommer, with many traditional celebrations taking place in parks and gardens throughout the city.

Not ready to ring in the Solstice internationally?

Here are the top 10 Midsommer celebrations in the US along with their web URLs:

  1. San Diego

House of Sweden – Celebrate A Swedish Midsummer
When: Sunday, June 25, 2023. 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

For more info: https://www.houseofsweden.us/midsummer.html

2. Colorado

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival – Scandinavian Alliance of Colorado
When: June 23-25, 2023
Where: MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
For more info: https://www.estesmidsummer.com/midsummer-info

3. San Francisco

SWEDISH AMERICAN PATRIOTIC LEAGUE 129th Midsummer Celebration

When: Saturday, June 17, 2023. 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Where: 8220 Croy Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, Sveadal

For more info: https://www.sveadal.org/midsummer

  1. Chicago, Illinois

Andersonville Midsommarfest

When: Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11, 2023.  10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: See details in the link below

For more info: https://swedishamericanmuseum.org/midsommarfest/

  1. Minneapolis, Minnesota

American-Swedish Institute: Midsummer Celebration
When: Saturday, June 17, 2023. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 
Where: 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55407

For more info: https://asimn.org/experience/festivals/midsommar/

  1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

American Swedish Historical Museum: Midsommarfest 

When: Saturday, June 24, 2023. 4:00 – 7:00 PM 
Where: American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19145

For more info: https://www.americanswedish.org/events/midsommarfest-2

7. Los Angeles

102nd Midsummer Festival at Vasa Park
When: Sunday, June 25, 2023, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Vasa Park, 2854 Triunfo Canyon Rd, Agoura Hills

https://www.conejovalleyguide.com/

8. Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Swedish American Heritage Society: Annual Midsummer Celebration
When: Saturday, June 24, 2023. Starts 11:00 AM 
Where: Caledonia Lakeside Park, 370 N Lake St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

For more info: http://www.sahswm.org/programs.html

9. Bethesda, Maryland

American Scandinavian Association: Annual Midsommar Celebration 
When: Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 3:00 PM
Where: Carderock Picnic Pavilion, 9500 MacArthur Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817

For more info: http://scandinavian-dc.org/events/

10. Massachusetts

The Scandinavian Athletic Club: 120th Scandinavian Midsummer Festival 

When: Saturday, June 24, 2023. 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: The Scandinavian Athletic Club at SAC Park. 438 Lake Street, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545

For more info: https://sacmidsummer.com/

11. New York

Swedish Midsummer Festival
When: Friday, June 23, 2023. 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM 
Where: Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City

For more info: Visit The Swedish Consulate in New York’s website

These celebrations offer a unique glimpse into Swedish culture and traditions, and they’re a great way to experience the warmth and joy of summer in the US.

Quotes

 “The summer solstice is a time for strength and vitality for action and movement.” ― Carole Carlton

“Let the energy of the summer solstice help you to balance, release, recharge.” — Unknown