The weekend closest to the “real” midsummer, 24th June, is when the Swedes hold their big summer festival.
Midsummer has probably descended from an ancient summer solstice festival. The early traditions tell of romance and mystery.
In the afternoon, people gather (often in traditional folk dress) for the raising of the Midsummer pole. There are ring dances, singing and competitions while folk music sounds from the fiddles and accordions.
Eventually an appetite and thirst is built up, and people turn to the set tables in their gardens or settle under the awnings of their caravans for
a traditional menu. New potatoes boiled in dill are served with varieties of herring with sour cream, with chopped chives and chilled butter as trimmings. Almost invariably there are beer and schnapps to drink and strawberries with ice cream and whipped cream for dessert.