FESTTIVAL IN SWEDEN
Baltic Sea Festival
The Baltic Sea Festival is a special event that celebrates the beauty and importance of the Baltic Sea region. Held annually, it brings together people from different countries around the Baltic Sea to enjoy music, art, and discussions about protecting the sea and its environment.
The festival isn’t just for artists and environmentalists – it’s for everyone! Families, students, and people of all ages can participate in concerts, workshops, and outdoor activities. This inclusive approach encourages a sense of community and shared responsibility for protecting the Baltic Sea and its surroundings.
Baltic sea festival promotes cultural exchange and collaboration among artists. Musicians, dancers, and visual artists showcase their talents, often collaborating across borders to create new and exciting works. This fosters a sense of unity and understanding among the countries of the Baltic Sea region.
IN Festivel Musicians from countries like Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, and Russia come together to perform traditional and contemporary music. Each country brings its unique musical style, creating a vibrant and diverse musical experience.
The Baltic Sea Festival is not just a celebration of music and art; it’s a celebration of unity, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a music lover, an environmental enthusiast, or simply curious about the Baltic Sea region, the festival offers something meaningful for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
MIDSUMMAR
Swedish Midsummer, or “Midsommar,” is one of the most cherished and vibrant celebrations in Sweden. It marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and is a time for Swedes to rejoice in the warmth and light of the sun after the long, dark winter. Celebrated on the Friday closest to June 21-24th, Midsummer is a holiday filled with traditions, joy, and a deep connection to nature.
Midsummer is also a time steeped in magic and folklore. It is believed that the night of Midsummer’s Eve is filled with supernatural occurrences and that nature holds special powers. One popular tradition is for young people to pick seven different types of flowers and place them under their pillows. According to legend, they will dream of their future spouse that night.
Central to the Midsummer celebration is the raising of the Maypole, or “midsommarstång.” Decorated with flowers and greenery, the Maypole is a symbol of fertility and is typically raised in a communal area like a village green or park. People dance around the Maypole in a series of traditional dances, the most famous being the “Små grodorna” (Little Frogs), where participants hop around like frogs, singing a playful song.
Swedish Midsummer is more than just a holiday; it is a celebration of life, light, and the enduring bond between people and nature. It is a time for family and friends to come together, to dance, sing, and revel in the beauty of the natural world. For Swedes, Midsummer is a reminder of the joys of summer and the importance of cherishing every moment of warmth and light.