Gothenburg - Regular Events
The Carnival
The oldest carnival in Scandinavia and the largest in Sweden is held every May in the Hammarkullen district of Gothenburg. Around 40,000 people come from all over the world to sample the goods and cuisine sold at the carnival market and take part in the music and dance of the parade. Samba is the predominant music and the parade sees samba and salsa dancers performing in the streets. If you’re looking for something more traditional Swedish folk dance is mingled amongst the fun.
The Midsummer Festival
One of the most celebrated holidays of the year in Sweden is midsummer and it falls between 19th and 26th June. It is a traditional festival and maypole dancing and singing old folk songs are essential in the festivities. It is a magical time and old practices are still performed such as flowers being picked by young people in the hope of dreaming about future love.
Day of King Carl XVI Gustaf
January 28th it is the name day of King Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. Born on April 30th 1946 HM Carl XVI Gustav has presided over the Swedish Monarchy since 1973. He is patron of many organisations in Sweden and is the presenter of the Nobel Prizes.
Fat Tuesday
Fettisdagen, also known as “Fat Tuesday” is in the Christian calendar and is the equivalent of Shrove Tuesday in the UK. It is celebrated in Sweden by the eating of buns or “semla”. Semla are pastries traditionally made from white flour and are called fastlagsbulle in Sweden and other names elsewhere.
Students of Chalmers University of Technology procession
Held annually by the students of Chalmers University of Technology the Chalmers Cortège is a procession of around 50 trucks through the streets of Gothenburg with the students walking with one foot on the pavement and one in the gutter. A competition is held for the best designed truck and the winners receive a cash prize.
The Carnival
The oldest carnival in Scandinavia and the largest in Sweden is held every May in the Hammarkullen district of Gothenburg. Around 40,000 people come from all over the world to sample the goods and cuisine sold at the carnival market and take part in the music and dance of the parade. Samba is the predominant music and the parade sees samba and salsa dancers performing in the streets. If you’re looking for something more traditional Swedish folk dance is mingled amongst the fun.
The Midsummer Festival
One of the most celebrated holidays of the year in Sweden is midsummer and it falls between 19th and 26th June. It is a traditional festival and maypole dancing and singing old folk songs are essential in the festivities. It is a magical time and old practices are still performed such as flowers being picked by young people in the hope of dreaming about future love.
Culture Festival
Every august around 700,000 people travel to Gothenburg for the free 6 day culture festival. On offer are a huge variety of music performances, dance arenas, craft workshops and food events. The festival is family friendly with many activities being put on for children.
Gothenburg Jazz Festival
Gothenburg Jazz festival is an annual music festival held over 3 days between May and September when the weather is fair. The public are welcome to attend and tickets can be bought for the weekend or single days.
Film screenings...
A number of venues in the city get involved in hosting film screenings and theatre performances into the night. Usually starting at 6pm and finishing in the early hours of the morning.
Gustavus Adolphus Day
The founder of the Swedish Empire, Gustav II Adolph is celebrated on Gustavus Adolphus Day on 6th November. To commemorate the king special pastries bearing the medallion of the king are eaten. The medallions are made out of chocolate or marzipan and can only be eaten on this special day.