How Stockholm rolls into Summer – Quite literally

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

On Day 25 of the UBC, let me share a neat custom an acquaintance of mine told me about from her time living in Sweden: The Cykelfest, pronounced “See-kel-fest.”

It’s not your average cycling event. While some cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg do host vibrant bike-themed festivals with group rides, music, and quirky costumes, the Cykelfest she described was wonderfully local and social: A progressive dinner party by bike.

Within her department at the regional hospital, a few colleagues offered to host parts of a meal at their homes. The team then cycled from house to house, enjoying an appetizer at one stop, a main course at another, and dessert at a third. Each round included a välkomstdrink (welcome drink) and ended with a cozy nattmössa, literally “nightcap,” both the drink and the vibe.

Of course, one rule stands: No matter how many courses or snaps, participants must be able to bike to the next stop safely. No cars, no taxis, just pedal power.

I think this is such a delightful tradition. One that flips the stereotype of Swedes as reserved and cool. At least in summer, they really lean into warmth, spontaneity, and community.

Speaking of summer…

You’ve probably heard of the famous Midsummer celebration, Midsommar, which is observed across all the Nordic countries. But Sweden takes it to iconic levels: Flower crowns, maypoles (midsommarstång), traditional songs, herring feasts, and dancing long into the light northern night.

It’s one of Sweden’s most important holidays - almost like a second Christmas - and always celebrated on the Friday closest to June 24 (St. John’s Day). This year Midsommar happened on June 21.

Even though Midsommarafton (Midsummer Eve) falls on a Friday evening, it’s treated like a full public holiday: Many offices close early or shut down completely, and Swedes head out to cottages, family homes, or the archipelago. 

Schools are already on summer break by then, so kids are free to roam and join the fun.

One of the most iconic moments is the dancing around the maypole, complete with songs that are equal parts silly and heartwarming. A few favorites:

🎶 “Små grodorna” (“The Little Frogs”)
Everyone hops like frogs — because why not?

🎶 “Vi äro musikanter” (“We Are Musicians”)
Participants mime playing instruments as they sing; a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

🎶 “Räven raskar över isen” (“The Fox Hurries Over the Ice”)
Originally a winter song, but repurposed for Midsummer with fresh verses.

And let’s not forget the drinking songs, or snapsvisor; short, humorous chants sung before taking a shot of aquavit. The most famous is “Helan går”, which loosely translates to “bottoms up!” You sing first, then you drink.

Of course, no Swedish celebration is complete without a beautifully prepared meal. While the setting might be a breezy lawn or lakeside picnic table, someone, usually mom or the host, has spent all of Friday prepping:

• Pickled herring in multiple marinades

• New potatoes with dill

• Sour cream and chives

• Gravlax

• Eggs with shrimp or roe

• Crispbread and cheeses

• And the crown jewel: strawberry cake (jordgubbstårta)

Photo Credit:Frida Viktoria

Here's her video, it's in Swedish, but never mind:

Even if it’s a potluck or buffet, it’s no small feat. There's peeling, marinating, chopping, decorating; all to be ready before the guests arrive in the afternoon.

It’s a celebration of summer, family, tradition… and a good reminder that behind every carefree picnic is someone with flour on their shirt and dill on their hands.

Have you ever been to a summer celebration that surprised you, culturally or personally? I'd love to hear your favorite warm-weather traditions!