Activities & Events

Beautiful are the maypoles of Midsummer in Åland
The beautifully decorated midsummer poles have become a symbol
of Åland and the ålandic summer. Åland’s Museum pays tribute to the
poles, their symbols and traditions. Learn about the significance of their
decorative details such as swordsmen, sun wheels and boats. Try your
hand at leaf decorations and other crafts connected with midsummer’s
celebrations.
Celebrating
Midsummer on Åland
Each Midsummer Eve around 60 official midsummer poles are
erected in villages on Åland. Since each village has its own
traditions regarding the appearance of the pole, no two are
quite alike, with particular differences between eastern and
western Åland. While some are wreathed in brightly coloured
garlands of flowers, others are adorned with wreaths of birch
and leaf and juniper garlands. The pole is made of fir and
either has a single crossbar or a more elaborate design. The
pole is usually raised using brute strength and a block and
tackle. Traditions include dancing around the pole, singing
Åland’s National anthem and giving speeches.
Welcome Info Events Activities Sights Food Design Index
//
9 MAy–26 Aug
EXhIBItION:
‘MIdsuMMER pOlEs’
(E9M) Åland’s Museum,
Mariehamn.
Museum’s opening hours see
page 60
22–23 JuNE
MIdsuMMER cElEBRAtIONs
ON ÅlANd
A selection:
22 June
decorating and raising
the midsummer pole
> Engelska parken, Mariehamn
(A9M) 6pm
> Jan Karlsgården, Sund (I7Å) 8pm
> Jurmo, Brändö (S1Å) 8pm
22 June
children’s Midsummer pole
> Östra Hamnen, Mariehamn
(F9M) 5pm
> Jurmo, Brändö (S1Å) 1pm
22 June
Midsummer dinner dance
Havsvidden, Geta (G3Å), 68 €,
tel. 49 408
22–23 June
Midsummer dance
> Käringsundsbyn, Eckerö (C6Å)
See local papers for further times
and places
tip! You can by a leaflet about
midsummer poles from Åland’s
Tourist Information. Price: 1 €