Time to pack my bags for Berlin. I’ll be seeing The Gaslight Anthem live, be part of the biggest Midsommar celebration outside of Sweden and will hopefully have a good time at several flea- and food markets.
Midsummer, also known as the Summer Solstice is the longest day and longest night and marks the beginning of summer in Scandinavia.
There are many rituals connected to this day, such as dancing around the maypole, which is covered in flowers, biding crowns of local flowers and feasting and drinking and dancing the whole night. It’s a special day as everyone is happy and just celebrating that the long winter is finally over. If I’d be in Scandinavia right now I’d probably celebrate Midsommar in some Summer Stuga (a small holiday house) with good friends and a big buffet of Swedish food. I’ll be finally in Sweden in August. Until then Germany hast to suffice!
So let’s see what Berlin has to offer!
I already heard that one can bind their flower crowns right at the festival. So maybe they will tell people there as well this old ritual, that girls pick up seven different kind of flowers and put them under their pillow at night so they will dream of their future love…Midsommar is such a romantic and spiritual day. Let’s see if it is as cheerful in Berlin as it is in Sweden.

Flower Crown for the Midsommar Evening. Here is a tutorial to a beautiful simple one.

Midsommar is also the celebration of love. Today it’s all about to finally meet your crush and tell them about your feelings. Or just to take someone home with you.