Midsummer Day

Midsummer Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, June 24th. There are until the next observance.

When the sun hardly sets and the nights are no longer gloomy (have you seen the Midnight Sun in person? ), it’s time to celebrate Midsummer’s Day in Finland, which takes place on the final weekend of Jun,- this year on June 24. Midsummer’s Eve, celebrated yearly as a significant national festival and characterized by a playful sun spreading golden hues over the land, marks the formal start of the pleasant summer weather. Finland, with its rich and colorful history, is one of the few countries in the world to watch this amazing celestial phenomenon due to its location north of the Arctic Circle. So, prepare to build a bonfire, bring outdoor speakers, marshmallows, and a group of pals for a day of dancing in the open air.

📆 When is Midsummer Day?

This year, Midsummer Day is on June 24th. It is the 4th Saturday in June; in 2024, it is on Monday.

→ Did you know: The sun does not set for 73 consecutive summer days and does not rise for 51 consecutive winter days.

You can also view all exciting things you didn’t know about and facts about June 24, 2023.

📜 History of Midsummer Day

The ancient Midsummer festival was subtly incorporated into Christian celebrations once Christianity arrived in Finland. Midsummer’s Day, which is also called Juhannus, is now celebrated in honor of John the Baptist, who was born at this time.

Numerous important customs associated with Midsummer’s Day include Nightless Night, which is characterized by the notion that witches, fairies, and elves arrive on Earth (thus the lighting of the night!) to tease people and foretell their destinies. Young people are motivated by this custom to purchase bouquets of seven or nine different flowers, lay them under their pillows, and dream about their future marriage. In the name of fertility, the Midsummer weekend is also a popular time for marriages.

Hosting “kokko,” a massive bonfire near water that casts a spectacular reflection on the clean lakes and the colors of the Midnight Sun, is another ritual. In Finland, Midsummer Day has always been a vibrant and joyous occasion that inhabitants eagerly anticipate.

☑️ Midsummer Day facts

✅ It’s also the land of aurora borealis
Aurora borealis, often known as the “arctic lights,” may be seen frequently in Lapland and other regions of Finland.

✅ Finnish is the hardest language!
Finns adore their language, which is difficult and unusual, so much that they celebrate it on April 9 every year.

✅ More saunas than cars
Finland has a population of 5.4 million people and more than 3 million saunas!

✨ Things to do on Midsummer Day

⚡ Go to the bonfire
There are several activities to do in Finland on Midsummer’s Eve, but visiting the enormous bonfire by the lake is a must! When you’re at it, take a dip in the crystal-clear lake around midnight while it’s still light.

⚡ Cast a Midsummer spell
Midsummer in Finland is lovely, and it is the loveliest time of day in our country. Try performing a spell, such as going foraging for flowers in a meadow to lay beneath your pillow to help you dream about your future husband or wife or to improve your love life.

⚡ Treat yourself to a Midsummer feast
There is a special cuisine on Midsummer Day. Some traditional Juhannus foods are fish, strawberries from the area, pickled herring, and pancakes cooked over an open fire.

📅 Midsummer Day Observances

See all June holidays, including Cultural and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Midsummer Day. So be sure to check back soon.