Svenska Kulturföreningen Vancouver
In the 10th century, the Vikings celebrated the lightest time of the year, which we call Midsummer.
Swedes celebrate Midsummer on the weekend closest to Midsummer day June 24th.
In Vancouver we normally have our Midsummer Festival one week earlier.
Photo Credit: Chris & Annika Photography
Friday at 6 pm, volunteers meet to prepare for the Midsummer weekend.
We make the garlands and rings for the Midsummer pole, and we decorate with flowers and use birch branches as the base.
On Friday night we also have live music and an open bar, and the younger crowd (including the young at heart) meet and have fun!
The opening ceremonies take place around 11am, and includes singing of the National anthems, speeches by dignitaries, decorating and raising of the Midsummer pole, and lastly a dance around the Midsummer pole!
For the Swedes it is very important to make the flower wreaths for the hair and to decorate and raise the midsummer pole.
For more information about the midsummer tradition check out this link.
There are lots activities for both children and adults: you can make flower wreaths, dance around the Midsummer pole, explore the troll forest, meet the Vikings in the Viking village, and much more!
Make sure you arrive early as we get many visitors!
One large audience tent with performers in the middle, offering audience participation dance and song.
The large stage is connected through its proximity and common cover.
The Festival Choir will delight the audience on Sunday.
On Saturday the we have performances by artists such as Charlotte Diamond and Abra Cadabra.
Around the long-house the participating nations, Denmark Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, and the 'Vikings' have their villages.
These Villages features displays of national heritage, craft and food sales and many kids activities.
The 'Viking' village features a large Viking-ship, authentic Viking settlements, games and crafts originating from those days
Win your partner's weight in Beer!
In the olden days, in small town Finland, there was no social networking or internet dating – if a man wanted a woman from a neighbouring village he had to go and take her!
Wife Carrying Contest, where a “husband” carries a “wife” through an obstacle course for a prize. Click here for more information!
Food is served in the Big Nordic Hall (main building) and Scandinavian musicians perform while you enjoy open faced sandwiches, meatballs and other Nordic treats.