Duluth Celebrates Swedish Midsommer

Swedish Culutral Society Hosts Annual Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood hosted a celebration of Swedish culture Wednesday.

The Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth hosted its annual Midsommer celebration.  Swedes traditionally celebrate midsommer on the Friday closest to the Summer Solstice as a way to get outside after a long dark Winter.

Organizers say it’s important to them to keep these traditions alive.

“We take it very seriously,” said Betty Selness, President of the Swedish Cultural Society.  “The Swedish Cultural Society’s goal is to preserve the Swedish language and the Swedish cluture.  This is a big, big part of it.”

Wednesday’s celebration featured traditional Swedish crafts as well as the raising and dancing around a maypole.