In Finland and Sweden for Mid Summer celebrations - where/how to see the fun?

[the2006Junket]

Hi, we're on the Breakaway with a port call on Helsinki on June 22 and Nynashamn (was supposed to be Stockholm...grrr) on June 23, the day that Scandinavians celebrate MidSummer. Apparently, MidSummer Eve is a big party night and the Saturday is a holiday. It is apparently a BIG deal and lots of fun! Questions:

 

- Any recommendations of where to go in Finland to observe or take part in the MidSummer Eve celebrations?

 

- Any recos of where to go in Sweden to observe or take part in the MidSummer day celebrations?

 

- Since June 23 is a National holiday in Sweden will restaurants/shops or museums be closed?

 

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

Lynne in Boston

[Desdichado62]

In Sweden, Midsummer day is normally not much celebration, at least not as much as midsummer eve.

Most of the traditions associated with midsummer, such as leafing of and raising of the may pole takes place

on midsummers eve. Skansen is the place to go to though for the celebrations (like dancing and playing games

around the maypole‚ enjoys folk music and folk dance).

 

http://www.skansen.se/en/midsummer-at-skansen

[Ultima Thule]

For Finland it would be the Seurasaari open air museum but I'm afraid most celebrations are , as you might guess, it in the evening:

 

Anyway here is a link:

https://www.seurasaarisaatio.fi/midsummer-bonfires/midsummer-eve/

[Desdichado62]

You can expect many shops and restaurants to be closed although some will be open.

Some museums are closed but Vasa is open, not about other museums.

 

The festivities in Sweden are in the afternoon mainly and some have parties/dinner parties in the evening.