Finnish Midsummer
The beginning of summer is celebrated at midsummer, which is the lightest time of the year in Finland . Earlier Midsummer was celebrated on June 24th, but in 1955 the date was moved to fall on the first Saturday after 19th of June.
Midsummer Eve is a public holiday and due to that Finns head for their cottages and cities are empty of people. Many people start their summer holidays from midsummer. It is also a very popular day for weddings.
Bonfires are lighted to celebrate and people gather to watch the bonfire burn and sometimes they also dance. A traditional midsummer bonfire event is held every year at the open-air museum of Seurasaari in Helsinki.
People also decorate their cottages with birch. The cut trees are placed in both sides of doorways. Although midsummer is the shortest night of the year it has been said to a magic night. If you collect seven different flowers and put them under your pillow, you can see your future spouse in your dream.
The Embassy of Finland wishes you Hyvää juhannusta!
More information about Finnish summer