New York
Midsummr. Photo: © Jörgen Bennicke/LINKImage

Facts

On the Friday closest to the actual summer solstice, Swedes celebrate Midsummer's Eve, taking time to rejoice in the light of the sun and the arrival of summer with traditional midsummer festivities throughout the weekend.  This major holiday is usually celebrated in the heart of nature, as Swedes head out to the countryside to enjoy food, drink, games, dancing and general revelry.
Evenemang / Events

Traditional Swedish Midsummer Celebration in Battery Park City in Manhattan

The annual Swedish Midsummer Celebration once again took place in Battery Park City on the southwestern tip of Manhattan on June 19, 2009.

Adults and children of all ages helped decorate the midsummer pole, made flower wreaths, played traditional games and danced to authentic fiddle music. Food stands offered traditional delicacies from New York's finest Swedish restaurants and food purveyors. 

Swedish Midsummer Celebration
Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park
Battery Park City
New York, NY
Friday, June 19, 2009

Schedule of events:

5:00 pm: Sing-along led by Swedish choir Sound of Sweden
5:30 pm: Traditional Swedish music by Daniel Dahlin and fiddlers from
              the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis
6:15 pm: Midsummer pole procession and welcoming remarks
6:30 pm: Music and dancing around the midsummer pole with performances
              by Barnklubben Elsa Rix and Swedish Folkdancers of New York
              led by Jeanne Eriksson Widman
7:30 pm: Musical performance by Kristoffer Ragnstam
7:50 pm: Grand finale with Daniel Dahlin and fiddlers

> Get maps and directions to Wagner Park
 
The Swedish Midsummer Festival is presented by Battery Park City Parks Conservancy and co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden in New York and the following contributors:

Electrolux
Handelsbanken
Investor AB
SEB
SKANSKA
Swedbank
Swedish Match North America
Volvo Group North America, Inc.
Ambassador and Mrs. Lyndon L. Olson Jr.
The Heimbold Foundation

The Consulate General of Sweden in New York does not organize or sponsor any midsummer event other than the celebration in Battery Park City. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places is prohibited by law in New York City.
3 Crowns