The Swedish name for the Midsummer Eve celebration held on the Friday between June 19 and 25 is Midsommarafton.
Midsommarafton literally means Midsummer Eve. Sweden places the main celebration on the Friday between June 19 and 25, followed by Midsommardagen, or Midsummer Day, on Saturday. This calendar rule means the holiday’s date changes every year while remaining close to the astronomical solstice.
Families and communities raise a flower-decorated midsommarstång, dance around it, sing traditional songs, and share a seasonal meal. Young people may also collect seven kinds of flowers and place them under their pillows, a custom linked to dreams about a future spouse. The holiday is distinct from Valborg, Sweden’s April 30 spring bonfire celebration.