Swedish traditions and celebrations
A guide to Swedish traditions throughout the year
Easter in Sweden
Easter, or påsk, is a popular family holiday and for many people marks the beginning of spring. Homes are traditionally decorated with birch twigs and colourful feathers, children receive decorative cardboard Easter eggs filled with sweets, and some dress up as påskkärringar – Easter witches – and visit their neighbours.
Easter also marks the start of the season for many destinations in West Sweden, including Marstrand and many of the towns and islands in Bohuslän.
When is Easter celebrated in Sweden?
Easter falls in March or April, with the dates changing each year.
Walpurgis Night
On Walpurgis Night, or Valborg, people gather around bonfires to welcome the arrival of spring. Choir singing is an important part of the celebration, particularly in university towns, while local Walpurgis celebrations take place in communities across Sweden. Find your Walpurgis celebrations in Gothenburg.
When is Walpurgis Night in Sweden?
Walpurgis Night is celebrated on 30 April.
Sweden's National Day
Sweden's National Day commemorates two events in Swedish history: the election of Gustav Vasa as king in 1523 and the adoption of a new constitution in 1809. It has been a public holiday since 2005 and is celebrated in all sorts of ways across the country.
On the west coast, 6 June is also Sillens dag – Herring Day – with events celebrating one of the region's most traditional foods.
When is Sweden's National Day?
Sweden's National Day is celebrated on 6 June.
Midsummer
Midsummer, or midsommar, is one of Sweden's best-known traditions. Celebrations include dancing around the Midsummer pole, flower crowns and a traditional meal of pickled herring and new potatoes with dill, followed by strawberries. Snaps and boisterous drinking songs are also part of the festivities.
Read more about the tradition and where to celebrate it.
When is Midsummer celebrated in Sweden?
Midsummer Eve is always celebrated on a Friday between 19 and 25 June.
Swedish crayfish parties
Many Swedes get together in August for a kräftskiva – a traditional crayfish party. Boiled crayfish with dill are served at long tables, decorated with paper lanterns, colourful hats and bibs. Singing traditional drinking songs is also part of the celebration.
On Sweden's west coast, late summer is an excellent time to combine a crayfish party with other seafood experiences.
When are crayfish parties held in Sweden?
Crayfish parties are traditionally associated with August, although today crayfish are available for longer periods of the year.
The Swedish lobster season
The start of lobster season is an important autumn tradition along Sweden's west coast. When lobster fishing begins, professional and recreational fishers head out to sea to set their pots for European lobster – sometimes referred to locally as the "black gold of the sea".
Visitors can also join lobster fishing trips and book seafood packages at several destinations along the Bohuslän coast.
When does lobster season start in Sweden?
Lobster fishing starts on the first Monday after 20 September.
Lucia in Sweden
Lucia is one of Sweden's most distinctive winter traditions. Lucia processions take place in churches, schools and public spaces, with participants dressed in white and carrying candles. The procession is led by Lucia, who traditionally wears a crown of candles, while the group sings well-known Lucia and Christmas songs.
Gingerbread, and saffron buns known as lussekatter are also closely associated with the celebration.
When is Lucia celebrated in Sweden?
Lucia is celebrated on 13 December.