Issue — June 2026

Midsummer: The Night That Never Gets Dark

B1 News Article 31 sentences

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In late June, Scandinavians dance around maypoles under the midnight sun — a festival that mixes ancient tradition with modern joy.

The Magic of Midsummer

In late June, people in Sweden, Finland, and other northern countries celebrate Midsummer. It is one of the most important holidays in Scandinavia. Families and friends gather in the countryside to enjoy the long, sunny day. The festival marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For many people, it is a time to feel happy and connected to nature.

Midsummer: The Night That Never Gets Dark — image 2

Why the Sun Does Not Set

The midnight sun is a strange and beautiful thing. In northern Scandinavia, the sun does not go down in June. It stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours. This happens because the Earth tilts toward the sun at this time of year. Locals call this natural event the "nightless night." It is a perfect time for outdoor parties and long walks in the warm light.

Maypoles and Flowers

A central part of the festive day is the maypole. It is a tall wooden pole decorated with flowers, leaves, and coloured ribbons. People raise the pole together and then dance around it in circles. They often wear flower wreaths on their heads. These traditions come from very ancient beliefs about nature, light, and new life.

Midsummer: The Night That Never Gets Dark — image 3

Food and Friends

Food plays a big role in Midsummer celebrations. Families eat outside, often at long tables in gardens or near the sea. Common foods include new potatoes, herring, strawberries, and fresh bread. People sing folk songs and play simple games together. It is a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy good company under the bright sky.

A Modern Tradition

Today, Midsummer is still very popular in Scandinavia. Many people travel to the countryside, even if they live in busy cities. The holiday is a mix of old customs and modern fun. Some people light bonfires, while others enjoy live music and swimming in cold lakes. No matter how they celebrate, Scandinavians agree: the night that never gets dark is something truly special.

Quiz

0/5

1When do Scandinavians celebrate Midsummer?

The article says Midsummer is celebrated in late June, around the summer solstice.
2What is the 'midnight sun'?

The article explains that the midnight sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours.
3What is a maypole decorated with?

The article describes the maypole as a tall wooden pole decorated with flowers, leaves, and coloured ribbons.
4Which food is NOT mentioned in the article?

The article lists new potatoes, herring, strawberries, and fresh bread — but not pizza.
5How do some people enjoy modern Midsummer?

The final section says some people light bonfires while others enjoy music and swimming.

Must Know 14

ancient Adjective Very old; having existed for a very long time, often referring to historical periods thousands of years ago.
bonfire Noun A large outdoor fire, often built for warmth, cooking, or celebration.
celebrate Verb To do something special or enjoyable in order to mark a happy or important occasion, such as a birthday, holiday, or achievement.
dance Verb To move the body rhythmically to music, often following a set pattern or steps.
festive Adjective Relating to or celebrating a festival or holiday; full of cheerfulness, joy, and celebration.
gather Verb to bring things together or collect them into one place; to come together in a group
horizon Noun The horizon is the line where the earth or sea meets the sky. It is the farthest point you can see where the land or water ends.
maypole Noun A tall pole decorated with ribbons and streamers, traditionally danced around on May 1st (May Day) as part of spring celebrations.
midnight sun Noun A natural phenomenon in which the sun remains visible at midnight, occurring in summer in regions near the Earth's poles (above the Arctic Circle or below the Antarctic Circle).
midsummer Noun The middle of summer; the period around the summer solstice, typically June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. Also refers to the time of year when summer is at its peak.
scandinavia Noun A historical and cultural region in Northern Europe comprising the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and sometimes extended to include Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands.
summer solstice Noun The day of the year with the longest period of daylight, occurring around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the astronomical beginning of summer.
tradition Noun A belief, custom, or way of doing something that has existed for a long time among a particular group of people, passed down from one generation to the next.
wreath Noun A circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other decorative materials, typically used as a decoration or as a symbol of honor, victory, or remembrance.