The spirit of Swedish summer came alive in Vietnam as alumni and friends gathered in Ho Chi Minh City in late May to celebrate Midsummer – one of Sweden’s most cherished traditions – as reported by Tuoi Tre News.
Organized by the Sweden Alumni Network Vietnam (SANV) with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi, the 2025 Midsummer Festival featured classic Swedish activities such as maypole dancing, flower garland making, and traditional treats like cinnamon buns and strawberry cake.
For 39-year-old Vo Thi My Thuan, who studied in Umeå between 2008 and 2010, the event was a heartfelt return to memories of long summer nights in Sweden.
“It’s been 15 years since I last experienced that feeling,” she said. “I’m excited for my children to learn about the festival.”
Fellow alumna Ha Trang Van, who studied in Sweden from 2016 to 2018, also returned for the celebration.
“This re-creation felt truly nostalgic—from dancing around the maypole to wearing flower crowns,” she shared. “These simple traditions bring back the joyful spirit of a Swedish summer.”
This was the sixth time the event has been held in Vietnam—four times in Hanoi and now twice in Ho Chi Minh City. Cultural officer Christofer Fredriksson from the Swedish Embassy in Hanoi explained the significance of Midsummer in Sweden.
“It’s a day when even the most reserved Swedes let loose—dancing, singing, and enjoying the almost endless daylight,” he said, recalling one year when festivities kept him up until 7:30 the next morning.
According to SANV president Nguyen Minh Chau, the event aims to promote cultural exchange and foster alumni connections.
“Sweden has been a trusted friend of Vietnam since 1969,” Chau said. “But Swedish culture is still unfamiliar to many. Events like these help build understanding and friendship.”
Founded in 2017, SANV connects Vietnamese who have studied, researched, or lived in Sweden. In collaboration with the embassy and other partners, the group promotes educational and cultural exchange, sustainability, and alumni networking across Vietnam.
Past Midsummer celebrations have even inspired new interest in studying in Sweden.
“Many first-time attendees left the event curious to learn more about Swedish culture—and some even considered pursuing studies there,” Chau noted.
