Heidi They sometimes say Dalarna is the true Sweden, so there’s nowhere better to celebrate Midsummer than Mora in Dalarna. I headed up there in 2017 to experience a proper Midsummer’s Eve with the locals.
Trouble was, I hadn’t a clue where the celebrations were happening in Mora. The websites weren’t much help. I did read something about a campsite somewhere in Mora that put up a maypole and celebrated on Midsummer’s Eve. So, I popped the campsite address into Google Maps and set off on foot.
Midsummer with the locals
After a tootle on the old brass band, I realised I was still a fair whack from the campsite according to Google Maps. Curiosity, however, got the better of me and I followed the sound of the music. It led me to a little village in Mora where the locals were all celebrating Midsummer together.
There were stalls set up for fika, with all sorts of biscuits on offer – sju sorters kakor, if you’re following tradition, which means seven different types. A brass band tootled away, there were choirs belting out tunes, and there was even a little train chugging around the village giving the kids rides.
The maypole
The maypole was all decked out and ready to be raised by the local muscle, men and women alike, with a right cheer from the crowd. There were a lot of Swedes in traditional costume. A unique experience!
There’s a bit of friendly rivalry in the area, a competition to see who has the biggest maypole – village pride and all that! Being right up there with the best of them certainly fired them up a notch.
Små grodorna
When the maypole was finally up, young and old gathered to sing midsummer songs. I only knew Små grodorna but happily joined in. Sharing this lovely celebration with the Swedes was a right treat, and I can’t wait to do it all again someday.
Video: Midsummer in Mora
Have you ever attended a traditional midsummer party? Where should I definitely go next time?
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