NYC Midsummer (original) (raw)

NYC Midsummer or Swedish Midsummer is a Swedish midsummer celebration organized since 1996 in one of New York City's parks on the Friday afternoon close to the summer solstice or St John's Day.

Midsummer is one of the year's great family holidays in the Scandinavian countries, since long before the introduction of Christianity. Even though the church has linked it to the day of St John the Baptist, it is primarily celebrated outside of church. A midsummer pole decorated with leaves and flowers is erected and children and families dance around it. A Swedish sm�rg�sbord of herring, new potatoes, and other dishes is served.

See also: Holidays in Sweden