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Writer's pictureMarelie van der Merwe

Swedish Festivals

Sweden is a country that celebrates a wide range of festivals throughout the year, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. Here are some of the most popular festivals in Sweden:

Midsummer's Eve: Midsummer's Eve is one of the most important festivals in Sweden and is celebrated on Friday closest to the summer solstice, which falls between 20-26 June. It is a time when Swedes traditionally dance around a maypole, sing traditional songs, and enjoy a feast of pickled herring, new potatoes, and strawberries. It is a time when the Swedes celebrate the longest day of the year and the start of summer.


Lucia: Lucia is celebrated on December 13th and marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden. It is a festival that honors Saint Lucia, which is believed to bring light to the dark winter months. The celebrations involve a procession of young girls dressed in white robes and wearing wreaths of candles on their heads, singing traditional songs.


Göteborg Film Festival: The Göteborg Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in Scandinavia and takes place annually in January. The festival showcases a wide range of international and domestic films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.


Stockholm Jazz Festival: The Stockholm Jazz Festival is one of Sweden's most popular music festivals and takes place annually in July. The festival features a wide range of jazz musicians from around the world, performing in venues across Stockholm.


Way Out West: Way Out West is a popular music festival that takes place annually in August in Gothenburg. The festival features a mix of international and Swedish acts, including indie, rock, and electronic music. It is known for its relaxed and Eco-friendly atmosphere.


Crayfish Party: The Crayfish Party is a traditional Swedish celebration that takes place in August, usually held outdoors. The celebration involves feasting on crayfish, drinking snaps, and singing traditional songs. It is a time when friends and family gather together to enjoy each other's company and celebrate the end of summer.


In conclusion, Sweden is a country that loves to celebrate and has a festival for every season. Whether you're interested in music, film, or culture, there's something for everyone in Sweden's rich festival calendar.


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