Apart from Christmas, midsummer is the most important holiday in the Swedish calendar. For some, midsummer is the most important.
Midsummer Eve in 2021 was on 25 June. Where can you usually celebrate Midsummer public parks, gardens, summer cottages, in fact, anywhere in Sweden will do as long as it is outdoors.
The successful midsummer never-ending lunch party formula involves flowers in your hair, dancing around a pole, singing songs while drinking unsweetened, flavoured schnapps. And downing a whole load of pickled herring served with delightful new potatoes, chives and sour cream. All in all, a grand day out.
We took a trip south of Stockholm to a most 'unSwedish place' - The High Chapparal in Varnamo.
At High Chaparral there are captivating shows, fascinating heroes and villains, saloons with good food and drink and lots of other things to do. Put on your boots, saddle up the horse and load the cap gun 'cause now you're in the Wild West! (In the middle of Sweden!!) It was an exhausting day for Granny but the kids had a fabulous time, sword fighting with Zorro, panning for gold, shooting 'baddies' with cap guns!
One can take the train to Old Mexico, climb aboard a paddle steamer, help settler Sven-Erik build his house or go horseback riding like a true cowboy or cowgirl. There are lots of exciting things to experience at High Chaparral.
High Chaparral is known for its many shows with breathtaking stunts, brilliantly coloured dances, comedy, song and music. The actors and stunt performers ensure unforgettable experiences for children and adults alike.
Lucky Luke draws his revolver faster than his own shadow and always rides into the sunset. Zorro is known for his grand entrances and striking sword skills. Sven-Erik Johanson is a clever and cunning builder.
There's always plenty going on at High Chaparral. That is something you'll notice as soon as you enter the park. There's never a quiet moment, and there's always something fun going on. Some days feature special seasonal events and Midsummer was celebrated in style with maypole dancing, strawberry cream cakes and the girls were wearing flower coronets. It was an amazing two day adventure.