The world’s largest midsummer bar, folk costumes and huge celebrations into the night.
Dalarna is a popular destination for those who want to celebrate Midsummer.
– An image has been created of Dalarna that Swedishness in concentrate and midsummer is at the same time perhaps the most Swedish thing we have, says Mattias Axelsson, tradition expert.
In order to experience a proper midsummer celebration, Swedes from all over the country get on the train or in the car to Dalarna.
Every year around 20,000 people gather in Gropen in Leksand for a big celebration. There you will also find the world’s tallest maypole, 25 meters long and 400 kilos heavy.
Swedishness in concentrate
However, heading to Dalarna for the celebration is not a new phenomenon.
– The celebration will be some kind of Swedishness in concentrate. It comes from the image that was created in the 19th century, when city dwellers went to Dalarna. There is “Swedish”, the forest, the lakes, the mountains. At the same time, it is relatively close to Stockholm, so it was relatively easy for many to get there, says Mattias Axelsson, tradition expert and high school teacher.
He believes that one should not underestimate the proximity to Stockholm and its importance for the image of the celebration.
– The proximity and the railway made it easy for many writers and artists to get up to Dalarna, it became important when the image of Dalarna and the midsummer celebration was created, says Mattias Axelsson.
In addition to the geographical location, Mattias Axelsson also believes that Dalarna had a special historical position.
– It is no coincidence that Gustav Vasa went there. There was already a rumor that they were a little peculiar in Dalarna, and it is grateful when you create the image of Swedishness, it is also where the rebellion against the Danish king began.
Alternative midsummer in July
The celebration is usually concentrated on Midsummer Eve. But in Dalarna there are some traditions that have caused the celebration to be spread over several days.
– In Dalarna, it is spread over a long time on several occasions and connected to several traditions. Historically, people wanted to take advantage of bright summer nights. At the same time, it fell during a time of year when there was little to do in agriculture. It wasn’t such intensive work and it was convenient to party at that time, says Mattias Axelsson.
In July, the Komidsommarfesten, also known as the coffee festival, is celebrated, among other things. According to tradition, people returned from the shacks with their cows. Once everyone was gathered in the villages again, a party was held.