Now living in Vietnam, she joined the festival again in Ho Chi Minh City, hoping to recapture the joy she once experienced as a graduate student in the far north of Europe.

The 39-year-old brought her two daughters to the event held in late May in Binh Thanh District where they joined others in hallmark activities of the Swedish Midsummer festival, including making flower garlands, raising a giant maypole—a symbol of growth, life, and unity—and dancing to Swedish folk music.

They also savored traditional Midsummer treats such as strawberry cakes and cinnamon buns while mingling with the guests.

Pursuing her master’s degree in chemistry in the northern Swedish city of Umeå from 2008 to 2010, Thuan had the chance to enjoy the Midsummer festivals when her professors took their students to their summer houses to enjoy the holiday with all the villagers.

Those two years left a lasting impression on her, especially the magical feeling of Midsummer, with its summer sunlight and blooming flowers that made the whole country feel alive.

“The people in those villages were very warm,” Thuan recalled. “They were genuinely friendly and down-to-earth, and especially when students came to visit, people were incredibly open and welcoming.”

“It’s been 15 years since I last experienced that feeling,” Thuan shared, adding that she was excited for her children to learn about the festival.

Meanwhile, Ha Trang Van, a 32-year-old former student who studied communications in Sweden from 2016 to 2018, returned to attend the event this year, bringing homemade baked goods to contribute to the celebration.

“Having lived in Sweden for two years and experienced Midsummer festivities, this re-creation felt truly nostalgic—from dancing around the maypole to wearing flower crowns, these simple traditions bring back the joyful spirit of a Swedish summer,” she shared.

Spreading Swedish Midsummer spirit in Vietnam

Organized by the Sweden Alumni Network Vietnam (SANV) with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi, the Swedish Midsummer 2025 aimed to bring a beloved Swedish summer tradition to Vietnam through love and friendship, as well as strengthen alumni bonds.

This marks the sixth time the celebration has been held in Vietnam—four times in Hanoi and now for the second time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Midsummer is one of the oldest and most cherished celebrations in Sweden, typically held on a Friday between June 19 and 25.

According to Christofer Fredriksson, cultural officer at the Swedish Embassy in Hanoi, Midsummer, which marks the longest day of the year, is one of Sweden’s biggest holidays.

The day usually begins around 10:00 am with a traditional lunch featuring herring, potatoes, ham, eggs, strawberry cakes, and schnapps, accompanied by songs.

After a restful afternoon, festivities resume around 4:00 pm with gathering flowers and greenery to decorate the maypole and make flower crowns, especially for children and women.

This is followed by dancing around the maypole and family games such as sack races and tug-of-war, often with small prizes.

Dinner features much of the same traditional food and drinks, along with more singing.

The celebration continues late into the night, sometimes until dawn, filled with chatting, dancing, and enjoying the nearly endless daylight.

“Based on my personal record, I once went to bed at 7:30 in the morning of the next day,” Fredriksson recalled.

“Swedes are generally considered to be ‘introverted’ and not very expressive. 

"But on that special day you’ll see people let loose. 

"That’s Midsummer, when everyone goes a little playful, dancing and having fun."

Nguyen Minh Chau, president of SANV, told Tuoi Tre News that while the true spirit of Swedish Midsummer is best felt in Sweden, the event is meant to capture its joyful atmosphere and bring Swedish traditions to the local community through meaningful, shared experiences.

Chau highlighted that Sweden has been a longstanding and trusted friend of Vietnam, offering meaningful support since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1969.

Despite this strong partnership, Swedish culture remains relatively less familiar to many Vietnamese.

Chau expressed hope that events like these will promote greater cultural exchange and strengthen the bonds between the two nations.

Besides evoking a sense of nostalgia among Vietnamese alumni of Swedish schools and the Swedish community living in Vietnam, previous SANV Midsummer festivals also attracted newcomers who were unfamiliar with Midsummer but drawn by the lively, welcoming atmosphere.

“In previous Midsummer events, many attendees have been inspired by these cultural experiences to consider studying in Sweden, drawn by the country’s sincerity and joyful spirit,” Chau added.

Founded in 2017, the Sweden Alumni Network Vietnam brings together those who have studied, researched, or lived in Sweden.

The group promotes cultural and educational exchange, as well as sustainability, through events organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi and the Vietnam–Sweden Friendship Association.

“We also hope to build a strong network of Vietnamese alumni who studied in Sweden and connect them with other groups, such as fellows from EU Alumni Network Vietnam,” Chau said.

“From this network, we've been able to create career and social opportunities, foster meaningful connections, promote mental well-being, and share core values."