WELCOME TO SWEDEN

Valkomen till Sverige, translation, welcome to Sweden :)

Even tho all you might know about Sweden is IKEA, ABBA and meatballs, theres more to this place than meets the eye. In this section you'll learn everything there is to know about Sweden (or at least most of it).

Traditions,

Christmas (December 24th) - Even though Christmas is celebrated all over the world, there are a couple traditions in Sweden that really makes Christmas unique. Christmas celebrations start on Advent Sunday (four Sundays before Christmas) where the first of four candles is lit to start the holiday countdown, usually while enjoying a mug of glögg (mulled wine) and pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies). Then, every Sunday an additional candle is lit until finally, it’s Christmas. On Christmas Eve Swedes celebrate with a julbord. Fish features heavily (smoked salmon, pickled herring and lye-fish), plus ham, sausages, ribs, cabbage, potatoes and of course, meatballs.

Midsommar (the Summer Solstice) - In Sweden we celebrate the longest day of the year by creating a flower-filled festival which involves dancing around a maypole, various family-friendly pentathlons and games and Midsummer buffets. The most common food items are different kinds of pickled herring, Västerbotten cheese pie, early potatoes, fresh strawberries and gravlax.

Valborg (April 30th) - Every year, Sweden is set ablaze in revelry of the emerging spring. The celebration, known as Valborg, causes communities throughout Sweden to unite in spirit and gather around massive bonfires, singing songs to welcome spring to their northern shores.

Santa Lucia (December 13th) - On this holiday children dress up and perform a collection of traditional songs, and light candles in the darkest heart of winter as a reminder that not everything is gloomy and frozen.

Kräftskiva (August 8th) - A crayfish party is a traditional summertime celebration in the Nordic countries, where you can eat as much crayfish as you wish!

Kanelbullens Dag (October 4th) - Cinammon bun day is exactly what it sounds like, the chance to stuff your face with as many delicious pastries as you can fit.

Våffeldagen (March 25th) - Waffle day is not just celebrated in Sweden, but Swedes have made it their own by perfecting the art of crispy waffles (like flat ice cream cones), which they top with whipped cream and jam.

Personally our favourite Swedish tradition is Fika. Fika is the delightful custom of enjoying a coffee and a treat with friends, it is a great excuse to meet up with friends over the weekend to catch up and more imporantly indulge in some sweets . Some fika classics include, Prinsesstårta (princess cake), Jordgubbstårta (strawberry cake), Kladkaka (sticky chocolate cake) and Kanelbullar (cinamon buns).