Monday, September 22 | 2025
Written by Joseph Mukama
Every year, the 6th of June (6/6) is yet another bank holiday (red day / röd dag) – the Swedish national day. In this post about Swedish culture, I highlight how this day came to be, why it is silently important, and where to catch it this year, at your comfort.
Swedish history lesson 101
Once upon a time – time time time!
The Late Medieval Period
The Kalmar Union
There lived the Kalmar Union that joined the three kingdoms of Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark and Norway) under a single monarch between the 14th and 16th century.
King Christian II of Denmark and Norway
The coronation of Christian II (Danish king) as the king of Denmark and Norway took place in 1514. Six years down the road, on 4th November 1520, in Stockholm, Sweden coronates Christian II as the king of Sweden and they make feast/ celebration for the following three days.
Christian the Tyrant
Between the 7th and 9th November, after the feasting, guests (Swedish leaders and potential opposition to the Danish king) from the coronation party were invited to a private meeting at the castle where they were beheaded, or burnt, or executed by hanging – Did I hear a Game of Thrones fan shout out ‘The red wedding’?
This is historically known as the Stockholm Bloodbath, and consequently, to this day, King Christian II is known as Christian the Tyrant (Kristian Tyrann) in Sweden. Luckily -or not- the wives of the Swedish noblemen were sent for imprisonment in Denmark.
King Gustav I Vasa of Sweden & Sweden’s independence day.
A young man in his 20s to 30s, Gustav Erikson of the Vasa noble family lost his father in the Stockholm Bloodbath. As a self-proclaimed Protector of the Realm, Gustav Erikson led rebel movement under the Swedish War of liberation against Christian the Tyrant.
On a memorable day June 6th, 1523, Gustav Erikson, was elected king of Sweden – Gustav I Vasa. 11 days, thereafter, with negotiations between King Gustav I Vasa and the weakened Danish forces led to an agreement that allowed King Gustav I and his forces to successfully match into Stockholm city on the midsummer eve.
On this day, Sweden became an independent state – independent of the Kalmar Union. From this day onwards, Sweden has never been the same again. The 6th June is officially the independence day of Sweden.
The late modern period
In 1905, the union between Norway and Sweden was dissolved. Later on, Sweden obtained its own flag and the 6th of June, 1916 came to be celebrated as the Swedish Flag day.
The current times
The Swedish Flag day was not so popular day of celebration to the population. In order to nurture and instil an interest in the people, the Swedish parliament made a noble decision to make it a public holiday from 2005 onwards.
The usual celebrations
The national day celebrations may not be as big as the Valborg celebrations but several activities take place in most cities within Sweden.
Welcome the new Swedes
The 6/6 is a day for new beginnings. In the same vein, it is, to many, a day to celebrate the ‘new Swedes’. That is, people from other nationalities who have acquired the Swedish Citizenship in the past 12 months. In Malmö, this takes place at Stortoget, while in Stockholm, it takes place at the Stockholm City hall. For instance, in Stockholm, the event includes the fika ceremony and singing of the Swedish national anthem. Do you ever wonder what the Swedish National Anthem sounds like?
Flags here, there and everywhere
The rest of us in the queue – or not, see the flags of different sizes and shapes, raised outside homes and apartments, public buildings, and on buses like two Viking horns. People carry and wave flags at organised gatherings.
Performances on stage
There are exhibitions and music performances on stage at designated places. In Malmö, the main stage is at Stortoget and other happenings at Gustav torg and Folkets park. You also find smaller groups of people enjoying picnics with ‘suitable’ drinks in the parks.
It’s a red day
To others, this is one of the few times when the red is a good and welcomed red day. People may sit outside on the balcony and enjoy a bird’s eye view, just walk around or enjoy nature.
Official national dish
There is no such special national dish for the Swedish national holiday yet as discussions to reach a consensus continue. Sweden is a ‘long’ country historically and largely divided into four regions. There are significant differences from Norrland (northern region) to Götaland, (southern region) and also within a region. Is it still surprising that there is no national dish?
2020 – What to expect when you are expecting nothing
COVID-19 was such a game-changer but with Sweden, there was hope. Everything was definitely different that year.
Going Digital
The Swedish Institute organised a 24-hr Livestream, open to the public around the globe. Anyone can tune in and see Sweden in several different dimensions such as:
- Performances from Swedish artists from their living rooms
- Guided tours into museums and nature
- Chefs preparing cook-along online
Featuring in the digital celebration
Anyone can get a chance to be featured on the Livestream digital celebration by following the guidelines below.
Good luck (Lycka till) and enjoy!
About the Author
Kodheyo banna! Joseph here. I moved some years back to Gothenburg for studies from Uganda, the ‘Pearl of Africa’ located in East Africa. I later moved to Lund/Malmö for work. I am married, and I love meeting people, nature, and physical activities. I like to read books and try out new things. My favourite Swedish word is beroendeframkallande. Hoping to share interesting moments with you all.
