What is the name of the Swedish midsummer festival?

The Swedish midsummer festival is called Midsommar. The Swedish word is related to the English “midsummer,” and the celebration takes place around the summer solstice, making it one of Sweden’s most important annual traditions.

In Sweden, the main gathering is usually held on Midsummer’s Eve, the Friday before Midsummer Day. Midsummer Day itself falls on a Saturday between June 20 and June 26, so the festival’s date moves within that range rather than staying fixed on June 21.

Typical celebrations include raising and dancing around a decorated midsommarstång, eating pickled herring, boiled potatoes, sour cream and strawberries, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Folklore also says that an unmarried person who places seven different flowers under a pillow may dream of a future partner.

Litha is a modern pagan name, Juhannus is Finnish, and “Midsummer” is the English translation. Midsommar is the specifically Swedish form.