Maypole raising, folk costumes and celebrations not only on Midsummer's Eve. Add to that that you should know when the midsummer pole should be dressed and which songs are worth knowing. Don't worry! Here we have gathered everything you need to know about celebrating Midsummer in Dalarna and packaged Midsummer experiences.
The folk costumes
There are a variety of folk costumes and pretty much every place has its own variant. Often there are also several variants of each parish costume and, for example, an apron for everyday life, one for funerals and one for celebrations. Or that married women wear a full-coverage headgear (so-called "keling hat") while unmarried women wear a simpler headband. Whatever costume is worn, they are all beautiful handmade works of art. Often they are inherited and have been made by a mother or grandmother. Do you want to celebrate Midsummer in national costume? Several of Dalarna's handicraft shops have rentals.
Midsummer is not only celebrated on Midsummer's Eve
Each village has its Midsummer traditions and most of them have their own Midsummer celebrations. This means that there are a plethora of opportunities to see the maypole being erected and experience the festive atmosphere over and over again. The first celebrations usually take place as early as Wednesday or Thursday in Midsummer week and then it rolls on. At its most intense, of course, it is in the evening, so it is literally possible to celebrate from morning to evening for those who want to be really active. Keep track of the schedule and make a strategic itinerary!
See all Midsummer celebrations here!
Join us in dressing the maypole
The day before the actual celebration, there is often a gathering to dress the maypole. Then vines and garlands of birch and flowers are created. In many places, anyone who wants to is welcome to join in and help. Take the opportunity to be involved from the beginning, do your part and feel the community.
The music and the songs
For some, most violin music may sound the same – but if you learn to recognize two of the most common classics, you'll be able to shine during the celebration. Äppelbo gangsong is one of Sweden's most famous folk music songs. The Gärdeby song is also something of an informal signature tune for Midsummer in Dalarna.
Komidsommar – Midsummer's afterparty
Komidsommar is celebrated a couple of days or weeks after the Midsummer weekend itself in several places around Dalarna. Exactly when the feasting takes place varies between different villages and summer pastures, but the time traditionally marks the middle of the summer summer pasture.
The biggest celebration of comedy summer takes place in Dala-Floda during the "Komidsommarfesten" on the second weekend in July, although it is also celebrated the whole of "wicku inna" (the week before). There, the story tells how no one bothered to celebrate Midsummer in the village, because the girls were up in the summer pastures with the animals anyway. So when they finally came back with the cows there in the beginning of July, it became all the more festive and the party was a fact! Today, the Komidsommarfesten is celebrated for a whole week with a packed activity program.
