Raising and dancing around a maypole  is an activity that attracts families and many others. People dancing around the pole listen to traditional music and many wear traditional national costume. Women often wear wreaths of wildflowers on their heads.

At Midsummer the menu seldom varies. You eat new potatoes boiled with dill, pickled herring, sour cream and chives followed by strawberries and cream. This is typically a time for drinking schnapps and singing and it is not uncommon for both to be somewhat overdone!

Because Midsummer was thought to be one of the times of the year when magic was strongest, it was considered a good night to perform rituals and look into the future. Traditionally, young people pick bouquets of seven or nine different flowers and put them under their pillow in the hope of dreaming about their future spouse. In the past it was believed that herbs picked at Midsummer were highly potent, and water from springs could bring good health. Greenery placed on houses and barns were supposed to bring good fortune and health to people and livestock. This is still done but not taken so seriously. Midsummer is considered to be a season of increased fertility and many babies are still born in March the following year as a result.

Midsummer is really one of the Swedish traditions that I can recommend that you celebrate. You may well find that the city is deserted at this time of year when everyone tends to leave for their summer cottages. Midsummer is a popular time for weddings and engagements.

Gothenburg Music Festival — June 22 -26
A musical event for brass bands organised by Liseberg and Konserthuset (the Concert Hall).
For more information see: http://www.goteborgmusicfestival.com (Swedish only)

Youth World Athletics — June 27- 29 
This event will be held at Ullevi and more information can be obtained on http://www.gotevent.se. There is a link to Ticnet http://www.ticnet.se where you can book tickets. Ticnet is a good source of information about what is on in all of Sweden.

Swedish summer holidays — July
Swedes tend to take their holidays in July. (See interview with Steve Armstrong) It is not uncommon for people to take 5 weeks off work. You will find it difficult to get things done and you will find that the city is full of tourists but the Swedes have gone to the country. Things definitely slow down in July. You may as well accept it and take it easy!

Partille Cup July 1 — 6
This is the world´s largest youth handball tournament and it is a lot of fun. I have worked in the kitchen helping serve food to hundreds of hungry players in the past. About 900 teams from 50 different countries participate. See: http://www.partillecup.com/ (In English, German, Spanish and French)

Bruce Springsteen — July 4 — 5
Bruce is a favourite here in Göteborg. The concert is at Ullevi. Tickets can be booked on Ticnet (see above).

Gothia Cup (soccer) July 13 — 19
This is one of the biggest soccer tournaments for young people in the world. The opening ceremony is great fun. You will most likely find that your country has sent a team or two along. For more information see: http://www.gothiacup.se/eng

Iron Maiden — July 26     
Also at Ullevi and tickets from Ticnet.