Sweden's National Day is celebrated with a walking orchestra, flag crafting, and the royal family at Skansen

The celebration of Sweden's National Day at Skansen began as early as 1893, and every year it remains one of the most popular places in Stockholm to celebrate this day. This year, Skansen will also celebrate National Day at Rinkeby torg. Skansen, along with other participants from Djurgården, will take part in the packed National Day celebrations at Rinkeby torg. Visitors here can try out old-time games such as walking on stilts, sack racing, and playing with our antique football!

In the evening, the Solliden stage will be filled with music, entertainment, and a keynote speech by the King. Performers on stage include Maja Frydén, Uno Svenningsson, The Real Group, Cherrie, Albin Lee Meldau, and Täby församlings körskola. They will be accompanied by the Swedish Army Band and Marika Willstedt's house band, with music by composers Georg Riedel and Max Martin. The royal family will arrive in a procession by horse and carriage, and the celebration will include a keynote speech by the King, flag hoisting, flag distribution, and the national anthem. The evening will conclude with a tattoo by the Royal Swedish Army Band from Logården at the Royal Palace. Anne Lundberg and Micke Leijnegard will be the hosts for the evening.

“It is wonderful to once again celebrate National Day at Skansen together with the entire Swedish nation. It will be a lovely summer evening in the greenery with lots of music and a focus on optimism for the future,” says Anne Lundberg.

Program:

On Sweden's National Day, June 6th, we celebrate all day at Skansen! There is something for everyone to experience.

• Flag Crafting: Paint and make your own flag!
• Old-time Games: Walk on stilts, roll barrel hoops, sack race, jump rope, play marbles, and sailor games!
• Summer Music: Swedish choral lyricism with Helene Stureborg's Chamber Choir. The concert lasts about 30 minutes, with entry beginning 20 minutes before the start.
• Walking Orchestra: Skansen's mobile music ensemble, moving around the park and offering engaging music from the 1950s.
• Sing-along Cottage: Sing along with folk songs from different parts of Sweden or stop by to listen.
• Musical: Back to Laundry Time: A humorous musical taking us on an exhilarating and playful journey back to the 1950s, a time of change in Sweden.
• Folk Dance Performance: Performance by Skansen’s folk dance troupe to music by Skansen’s musicians.

The History Behind Sweden's National Day

It was at Skansen that the celebration of Sweden's National Day, originally called Swedish Flag Day, began in 1893. Skansen’s founder, Artur Hazelius, wanted to establish a festive day to unite the nation and chose June 6th. It was on this day in 1523 that Gustav Vasa was proclaimed King, and on June 6th, 1809, the then-current Constitution was signed.

June 6th remained an unofficial national day until 1916 when it was established as Swedish Flag Day. It wasn’t until 1983 that the day officially became Sweden’s National Day, and in 2005, it became an official public holiday.

Access to Skansen will be limited throughout the day on June 6th due to the royal procession. The easiest way to reach Skansen is on foot from Djurgårdsbron or by ferry to Allmänna gränd.