It was Sweden's "National Day" today. An artificial holiday for a people who have never fought a war of independence or even been occupied (although the Lapps would take exception to this). The holiday was dumped on the bewildered Swedes some years ago, Bewildered because for the last 100 years they've been taught that nationalism is evil. So, apart from not having to go to work when the holiday come on a work day, it's celebrated in a rather embarrassed air of "Errr, yippeee?" unless the weather is nice then everyone flocks to the parks for a picnic like here in Hagaparken, An mythical royal playground and one of Stockholm's most impressive and loved parks.
Artificial nostalgia for an artificial national heritage that has been passé since the Swedish army was humiliated by the Russians in Poltava 1709.

Interesting post. kblakes · 2010-06-06: 17:25

and the national hockey team sort of sucks too... damn fine curlers though, I must say dae88 · 2010-06-06: 19:04

very interesting bit of info my friend, and yet, it doesnt take away from the sheer beauty of the pics...although that wasnt your point anyway was it? :-)))) ????? · 2010-06-07: 08:16

like a woodstock in sweden ;) amish · 2010-06-08: 15:13

Interesting post manuele · 2010-06-26: 05:58