ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockfordians came together to celebrate the summer solstice at the Swedish Historical Society’s Midsomer Festival on Saturday.
It’s really beautiful to see people here celebrating this holiday that’s been around for so long and especially in the Rockford area,” said Event Coordinator Amy Ekberg. “We have so many people that have strong Swedish heritage here in Rockford. And so this is a great day to celebrate that or to learn a little bit about the culture, and what better day to celebrate summer than a day like today.”
Ekberg said the holiday dates back to ancient times across Europe. In Sweden, the celebration of summer is one of the country’s most important holidays.
“It’s celebrated all across Scandinavia for centuries. It’s been going on in Rockford for decades,” Ekberg explained. “So we have lots of longstanding traditions, and over the years the festival has looked a little bit different. But, there’s always been the tradition of dancers, music, flower crowns, food, beer, and then the maypole, of course.”…