Friday, June 06, 2008

Sweden's Independence Day

This is only the third year Sweden has marked its national day as a bank holiday, yet from Lapland in the north to the shores of the Baltic in the south, the country is getting into the swing of celebrating.

The 6th of June has been a red letter day in Sweden's history for centuries - marking the day Gustav Vasa was proclaimed king in 1523 and the agreement of its constitution in 1809. It was deemed the Swedish Flag Day in 1916 and in 1983 officially became the National Day.

You'd be surprised to know that Sweden has not taken part in any of the wars of the modern era.Sweden stayed neutral during two World Wars. This enabled Sweden to change from one of the poorest countries in Europe, into a modern welfare state
Today, the focus of Sweden's festivities is an open-air museum in the capital Stockholm, where, according to the official website, activities will include stilt walking, sack races, "animal songs" for toddlers and theatre performances.
The whole occasion is topped off by a concert in the presence of Swedish King, Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.