Who doesn't work… eats. Unfortunately, not all of them work. It is an undeniable fact that the one who works knows the price of a good rest. Let's see when and what they celebrate in well-fed, calm Sweden, where working is a pleasure. Let's explain why.
It goes without saying that all public holidays in Sweden are regulated by the laws of the country and are non-working days.
Swedes are a cheerful people who love celebrations, despite the stereotype of "tough Nords". They don't mind drinking and buzzing all night long. Holidays can be classified into two broad categories: Christian (religious) and those that are not related to religion. The eve of the holiday, or part of the day before the celebration, is considered a holiday, so many offices close already in the middle of the day.
Since 2015, after the adoption of the law on the 40-hour work week in the country, after which the productivity of the Swedes has increased significantly, and people have becomemuch happier, Saturdays have also become days off for some people.
All Sundays are considered holidays in the country.
List of public holidays in Sweden
| Date | Name |
|---|---|
| January 1st | New Year |
| January 6 | Epiphany |
| Easter Friday | Long Friday |
| First Sunday after the spring full moon | Easter |
| Monday after Easter | The day after Easter |
| May 1 | First of May |
| Sixth Thursday after Easter | Ascension of the Lord |
| Seventh Sunday after Easter | Pentecost |
| June 6 | Swedish National Day |
| Saturday between June 20-26 | Midsummer |
| Saturday falling between October 1st and November 6th | All Saints' Day |
| December 25 | Christmas |
| December 26 | The day after Christmas |
Easter
This bright spring holiday fills hearts with purity and love. On the Thursday before Easter Sunday, children dressed as sorcerers hand out drawings to passers-by with the inscription "Congratulations on Easter", and for this they receive coins and sweets. On the holiday itself, the Swedes cut willow or birch twigs, decorate them, and children receive painted eggs from papier-mâché as a gift, insidewhich candy is hidden.
Walpurgis Night
To scare away the witches who gathered for the Sabbath on Walpurgis Night from April 30 to May 1, huge bonfires are kindled. By the way, on May 1, it is customary for the Swedes to honor King Carl Gustav.
What 2018 has prepared
Let's get acquainted with the holidays in Sweden, which await the inhabitants of the country since the summer. It all starts on the 2nd, when the Stockholm marathon starts in the country.
Run
This is one of the world's most prestigious large-scale races, the history of which has been written annually since 1979. The forty-two-kilometer route is laid out in such a way that all the sights of the capital are covered and visible to the participants, before whose eyes a real medieval fairy-tale city appears.
June 6 - Swedish Flag Day celebration
The very first image of a blue cloth with a cross dates back to the 16th century. June 6th is Swedish Flag Day in Sweden.
Midsummer Festival (June 22-23)
Paradoxically, the name does not correspond to the time of the holiday at all. However, this makes sense. The event is celebrated on the longest day of the year, coinciding with the summer solstice. Summer festival in Sweden in the national language sounds like "Midsummer".
St. Hans Day - Ivan Kupala
A day later, Swedes celebrate Saint Hans (John the Baptist) Day. Do you recognize our Orthodox holiday of Ivan Kupala? His birth isThe world celebrates June 24th. The hostesses serve pork ribs, herring with potatoes and strawberries with cream.
July 7-8: Stockholm Street Festival
July begins with the Street Culture Festival, which has been held since 2010 in Kungstradgorden Park, located near Gamla Stan. Musicians and acrobats, jokers, merry fellows and conjurers fill the streets of the city.
July 29-31: Stockholm Music and Art Festival
At the end of July, a festival of music and art is held in the capital. This is a chance for talented people to show up, and an opportunity to draw attention to a particular problem in society, for example, related to refugees.
Stockholm Gay Pride from 31 July to 6 August
The beginning of August is marked by a rather new, but already scandalous, noisy gay pride parade.
Stockholm Cultural Festival August 15-21
This holiday can be called a kind of day of the city of Stockholm. Mass celebrations are unfolding with might and main, ubiquitous food courts are opening, singing and dancing are organized. The Swedes walk for a whole week, unlike the modest Muscovites, who cannot afford such expanse for more than one day.
B altic Sea Festival August 21-29
This festival has been held annually since 2003 and is curated by Russian maestro Valery Gergiev and Finnish conductor Esa-Pekki Salonen. Over the years of its holding, it has managed to turn into the most prestigious European event.
Cinnamon Bun Day- October 4
The famous cinnamon rolls are the symbol of the country. One of Sweden's national holidays is Kanelbulle Day. Without them, Sweden is not Sweden, like Ukraine without dumplings and borscht, and Italy without pizza.
Crayfish Festival
It is on August 17 that the ban on catching crayfish ends. The holiday is accompanied by concerts and fireworks, parades, performances and music, as well as tasting of national dishes. The Swedes celebrate for a whole week by eating huge amounts of crayfish.
St. Martin's Day
This holiday symbolizes the beginning of winter. On November 11, a roast goose is served on the table, and the next day Philip's fast begins, a one-month-long fast, during which the Swedes prepare for Christmas. An interesting fact is that every Sunday, one candle is lit in the houses, and by the holiday, four candles are already lit in all the houses.
Nobel Prize
This Swedish public holiday is the legacy of millionaire Alfred Nobel, who left his entire fortune to those who achieved success in the natural sciences, literature and world achievements. Held annually on December 10 in Stockholm.
Christmas and New Year
What is the most popular holiday in Sweden today? You know the answer - it's Christmas, which takes place on December 25, as in all Catholic countries, in a quiet family circle. The New Year is marked by wild parties, fireworks and festivities. The cold does not cool the ardor and joy of fun. The breathtaking smells of baking and mulled wine are everywhere.
January 13 - St. Knut's Day
After the New Year, according to tradition, the Christmas tree should be thrown away. For Russians, this day may also fall in May, but the Swedes are more disciplined. The new year should bring newness to all areas of life, only forward and not a step back!
