Yesterday, June 6, was Sweden’s National Day. It is celebrated in honor of King Gustav Vasa who was elected in 1523 since he is considered as that day marked the beginning of modern Sweden.

In India, our national days, such as Republic Day and Independence Day, are marked with elaborate parades and festivities. I was very curious to see how the Swedes celebrate their national day.

We choose to attend the celebration at Hagaparken!

On entering the park, the police department had set up a mini exhibit!

The kids were handed out some craft papers. The police showed the kids their weapons, handcuffs, walkies, etc and explained what they do to protect the city and its people.

The kids were also allowed to get into their vehicles and take a look!

Everyone were given Swedish flags!

The Royal Opera was scheduled to perform and the lawn was flooded with people. To see these many people gathered is one place is quite a rare sight in Sweden! It showed how much this day meant to them!

While the weather forecast of this entire week is gloomy and rainy, for the sun to show up just on the National Day gave everyone extra reasons to get into the celebratory spirit!

We and our friends enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch while splendid performance of the Royal Opera filled the air!

Little Krissy became a little cranky in between and I missed the ballet performance 😦

I got back for the Solna Cultural School Children’s Choir performance! They sounded heavenly!

The concert ended with the Swedish National Anthem!

KT and I walked to the Haga Temple where a group had dressed up in Medieval Clothes.

It was quite a fancy sight!

Even Chacha Nehru was among them!

Some from the group were dancing to medieval music!

Their outfits, the royal park and their dance took me back in time!

While was I was watching and photographing their dance, one of them came to me and asked if I would love to dance with them. I nodded and pounced on the opportunity although me and dance are poles apart!

I joined them for a slow English country dance. It was more of walking and curtsying. It was super easy and fun. While I was more like a robot, the others danced with so much grace, elegance and poise!

I had a maternity shoot to rush to. But I couldn’t miss the BBQ with our friends. Grabbed a quick bite and headed for the shoot!

I noticed that the Swedes way of celebrating is more relaxed and laid back. Except for the musical performances, it was a very quiet affair, unlike the pompous celebrations in India. It was a day to be spent with friends and family along with Swedish Fika!

My hearty wishes and blessings to Sweden for all that it has been to me and family over the months!

“I’m going to give this city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I’m going to show them life whole, life brimming with blessings. I’ll restore everything that was lost. I’ll build everything back as good as new. I’ll scrub them clean from the dirt they’ve done against me. I’ll forgive everything they’ve done wrong, forgive all their rebellions. And it will be a center of joy and praise and glory for all the countries on earth. They’ll get reports on all the good I’m doing for her. They’ll be in awe of the blessings I am pouring on her.” Jeremiah :6-9 MSG

To check out our previous visit to Hagapark, click here!