Every year on the third or fourth Sunday in June the House of Sweden celebrates the summer solstice - the longest day of the year, with their annual Lawn Program and Midsummer Festival.
For this occasion the house is decorated with garlands of leaves, flowers and birch branches both inside the cottage and outside on the patio.
From 8:00 to 10:00 AM the day’s festivities begin with a members breakfast at the cottage and the decorating of the Majstang (Maypole) with flowers and greenery.
The 2:00 PM outdoor stage program includes entertainment such as Swedish Folkdance Club of Los Angeles, who perform detailed dances in their beautiful folk costumes. The historical significance of the Midsummer Celebration is explained, dignitaries from the House of Sweden and the Swedish-American Community are introduced, and small children sing traditional Midsummer songs to the delight of the visitors to the Park.
The event then shifts from the outdoor stage to the area around the Maypole. Traditional accordion and fiddle music allow Swedes and non-Swedes alike to participate in festive circle dances around the maypole, accompanied by much singing and laughter. Look for the many traditional Swedish folk costumes worn by men, women and children. Many of these costumes have been handed down from one generation to the next, valued for both their beauty and tradition.
Midsummer foods can be purchased by the public. Kottbullar (Swedish meatballs) served with bread, lingonberries, Inlagd Gurka (pickled cucumbers), and Swedish pastries.
Admission/Cost: FREE
Location:
International Cottages (HPR)
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA
Sunday, June 25 - 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
