Photo by the BPCA web site.

Midsummer Solstice, the longest evening of the year, is commemorated by the Swedish Midsummer Festival. This year festivities were recently held in Rockefeller Park in Battery Park and San Diego.  Additional celebrations will take place this week in Miami on June 26 at the IKEA Sunrise in Miami.

Midsummer Swedish Festival in Rockefeller Park

The beloved NYC festival has been a longstanding tradition, organized by both the Consulate General of Sweden and the Battery Park City Authority. Thousands came wearing wreathes, dancing with music by Scandinavian folklorist Ross Sutter, enjoying Swedish fare and candy.

Midsummer Smörgasbord at IKEA Sunrise in Miami

Organized by Swedish powerhouse furniture brand IKEA, festival goers can enjoy traditional Swedish dishes, such as poached Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce, Red Potatoes with Dill Butter, Meatballs in Sauce, Skagenröra (Swedish Shrimp Salad), and more. The South Florida Symphony Orchestra will have musicians on hand to make the evening extra special.

The Scandinavian Festival in San Diego

It’s considered the largest annual Nordic festival in Southern California, featuring traditional Swedish dance groups, craft demonstrations, a Viking village, and live tributes to pop icons like ABBA, organized by House Sweden.  Although this year’s has now passed, you can check next year’s schedule or purchase tickets on the Scandinavian Festival website.