Sweden celebrates its first national day as a public holiday
Monday, June 6, 2005
Sweden today celebrates its first national day as a public holiday.
At 10 o'clock (CET) the day was officially opened by the Royal family children at the Stockholm Palace. Crown Princess Victoria said that it was a very special day.
During the day, several demonstrations are scheduled in Stockholm and the rest of Sweden.
June 6 is celebrated in the remembrance of the crowning of Gustav Vasa in 1523. The Gustav Vasa-reference is a somewhat criticized in parts of Sweden that weren't a part of Sweden back then.
Since 1983 it's a National day, but it has been an ordinary weekday until 2005. Thus, the Swedes haven't celebrated their National day much at all, compared to e.g. the Norwegians.
References
- "Kungabarnen invigde nationaldagen" — Sveriges Television, June 6, 2005