Midsummer's Eve - Juhannusaatto

The Swedish midsummer festival takes place at the Battery Park every year on Midsummer's Eve. I used to go with friends every year when I still lived in the city, but I don't think I've gone once since I moved to Long Island. Too much traffic and too much hassle. This year, however, we had to be in the City on midsummer's eve, and I figured, let's show the kids what the Swedish midsummer is all about. The swedes erect the midsummer pole (juhannussalko) and dance around it in traditional costumes (kansallispuvut). A band plays traditional music, and you can buy Swedish goodies, beer and vodka shots. People bring their picnic stuff and meet up with friends. Since we were schlepping around the city all day, we couldn't bring much picnic stuff, but no worries, there is a gorgeous new food market at the world financial center, by the new Brookfield Place mall, called Le District. We got a couple of sandwiches, a salad, and some drinks there, and picnic was set. The kids got to make the flower crown (kukkaseppele) and we had a great time telling stories and relaxing in the beautiful sunshine gazing out over the Statue of Liberty and the Jersey City skyline.