Midsummer is one of Sweden’s most beloved celebrations and is often compared to Christmas in significance. It is a festival celebrated with family and friends out in nature, where traditional elements such as the maypole, flowers, and music create a magical summer atmosphere.
Why is Midsummer celebrated?
Midsummer has its roots in ancient fertility rites and is celebrated to honor the summer solstice, the brightest time of the year. It is a holiday filled with symbolism, where nature, light, and togetherness are at the center. The first documented evidence of Midsummer celebrations in Sweden dates back to the 16th century, although the tradition likely has older origins.
When is Midsummer celebrated?
Midsummer’s Eve always falls on a Friday between June 19 and June 25. In 2025, Midsummer will be celebrated on Friday, June 20.
Where can you celebrate Midsummer in Värmland?
There are many beautiful places to celebrate Midsummer in Värmland, here are some of them:
Grums – Borgvik
At Borgvik’s Hyttruin, you can enjoy a traditional midsummer celebration with folk music, dance performances, a cannon-carrying competition, and of course, dancing around the maypole! A warm welcome!
Munkfors – Ransäters hembygdsgård
Welcome to Ransäters hembygdsgård (Ransäter Local Heritage Center) for a day filled with singing, dancing, and midsummer celebrations in classic Värmland style.
Karlstad – Mariebergsskogen
Mariebergsskogen (Marieberg forest) in Karlstad offers a lively midsummer celebration with fiddlers, folk dance, and circle games. Here, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere, join in the dance around the maypole, and take part in various activities in the park.
“Värmlänningarna” – A Traditionally Värmland way to celebrate Midsummer
The folk play “Värmlänningarna” has been performed for over 70 years in Gropa at Ransäters Local Heritage Center. The story depicts the love affair between the rich farmer’s son Erik and the poor cottage girl Anna. Despite a family feud threatening their relationship, they dream of a shared future. The performance premieres on Midsummer’s Eve but can also be seen on other occasions.
Why do people dance around a Midsummer pole?
The Midsummer pole, sometimes also called the maypole, is the primary symbol of Midsummer. The word “maja” means to decorate with leaves, and the tradition is believed to have come to Sweden from Germany during the Middle Ages. Dancing around the Midsummer pole, including songs like “Små grodorna” (Little Frogs), became popular in the 1920s. The melody for “Små grodorna” originates from a French song that British soldiers used as a mocking song about the French during the Napoleonic Wars.
What do people eat on Midsummer?
Midsummer food is a central part of the celebration and consists of classic Swedish dishes. Pickled herring in various flavors is served with new potatoes, sour cream, and chives. Cured or smoked salmon with mustard sauce is also common, as well as Västerbotten pie, meatballs, and small sausages (prinskorv). For dessert, strawberries are a must, often with cream or in a strawberry cake. Beverages like beer and snaps are part of the tradition, and it is customary to sing snaps songs, with “Helan går” being the most famous.
Helan går, sjung hopp falleri faderallan lej, helan går, sjung hopp faderallan lej. Och den som inte helan tar han inte heller halvan får Helan gåååååååår sjung hopp faderallan lej.
– Unknown, 1800s