Welcome to Svenskarnas Dag (Swedish Day)! The first Svenskarnas Dag, translated to Swedes Day, was held on Sunday, June 25, 1911 at Linden Park in Evanston.  The next year, 1912, it was held on Sunday the 23rd of June at Riesig Grove in Riverside. Then in 1913, Svenskarnas Dag (Swedish Day) was held at Ravinia Park for the next 11 years through 1924 when the organization decided to purchase their own property.  We acquired our current location and have celebrated Svenskarnas Dag (Swedish Day) annually every third Sunday in June since 1925 here at Good Templar Park in Geneva.  

Open to the public and attended by people of all nationalities, this festival still focuses on the Scandinavian celebration of Midsommar, the longest day of the year. Many family-oriented activities are held within the beautiful 60 acre park, specifically purchased for the tradition of Midsummer. Please enjoy and explore this legacy of Scandinavian heritage. 

Traditional Dancing Around the Maypole 

Dancing around the Maypole is something most people associate with midsummer and all its festivities. There is a certain connection to that leafy green pole that inten- sifies when everyone starts dancing around it.
Once the pole is raised, traditional ring dances are done by all ages. In Sweden, these are called sång & dans-lekar or singing and dancing games. 

Leading dances around the Maypole is definitely different from performing folk dances. First you have to get people up to participate. Most people really want to do this, but hesitate because they’re not sure what they are expected to do. When leading, the instructors have to be clear and concise and most importantly sound like it will be easy and fun to do. It amazes not only the dancers but those watching that suddenly they are all in a perfect circle around the Maypole and a “Glad Midsummer” is being wished to all.