Swedish Midsommar Celebration

A Swedish Midsommar Celebration at Mora's Library Park. The Majstang is constructed and placed in the park to welcome summer with traditional music and dances. The entertainment is presented by the Swedish American Children's Choir.

Celebrating Midsommar is a Scandinavian tradition that goes back many centuries and welcomes summer after a long, cold winter. In Mora, the tradition of decorating and putting up a maypole or Majstang has a long history as well. 

The Dala Heritage Society is pleased to be able to continue this tradition and is happy to offer this opportunity for the community to experience the music of the Swedish American Children's Choir as we all celebrate the community's Scandinavian heritage. 

Formed in 1999, the Swedish American Children's Choir has grown to become the largest Swedish Choir for children in the Midwest. Singers range in age from 4-18 years old and travel throughout the Chicago area sparking interest in Swedish heritage at festivals and performances for organizations and conventions. They have given over 200 performances and have traveled as far as Wisconsin and Minnesota. They perform annually at Swedish Days in Geneva, IL and have been recognized with several awards throughout the years. 

The Dala Heritage Society looks forward to having friends and neighbors from the Mora area and beyond join them for an afternoon of traditional Swedish maypole dances and music at this free event. 

On Thursday morning, prior to all of the festivities, community members of all ages are invited to join Dala Heritage Society members in decorating the Majstang. Although birch boughs and flowers will be provided, volunteers are welcome to bring flowers from their gardens or pick wildflowers to add to the pole. 

Guests who have traditional Swedish folk outfits are encouraged to wear them for the afternoon celebration. The colors of the Swedish flag, blue and yellow, may also be worn but no special clothing is required. Community members of all ages are invited to meet in the Library Park at 4:45pm as the . maypole is brought out and set up. Once this is complete, everyone is encouraged toparticipate in a variety of traditional maypole dances led by the Swedish American Children's Choir. Afterwards, participants will be treated to a medley of choral music performed by the group. Attendees are invited to stay for the Music in the Park concert which will follow the Midsommar event. 

The Dala Heritage Society looks forward to sharing this tradition and hopes to see everyone Thursday, June 19th!