Meanderings from Malmo, Sweden - Chapter 1

Midsummer is not what it seems……

Its taken me a couple of weeks to drag myself away from Melbourne, Australia and to report on what is happening over here in the northern hemisphere and especially in Malmo City, Sweden where I am staying. 

Malmo City Mall pre Midsummer

Midsummer was not what I had expected…it is mostly a family and friends’ occasion or at least that seemed evident to me as I wandered the Malmo mall on mid summer eve and mid summer day. Midsummer holidays, traditions, and celebrations in Europe are pre-Christian in origin and are particularly important in Northern Europe including Sweden.


However there was no bunting, no singing no dancing or even drinking at least publically. So it was all obviously happening somewhere as all the shops were closed and no one was around except for those whose heads were buried in a map. So as I came to realise midsummer happens behind closed doors or in secluded and unmarked parks and gardens away from the maddening tourists.

I have since discovered on my meanderings in a number of parks and gardens the remains of maypole like structures. For the uninformed Midsummer is originally a pagan holiday but in Christianity it is associated with the John the Baptist. Confusing yes but nevertheless a good excuse for a party with friends, families and neighbours!