Midsummer in Leksand, Sweden

Midsummer in Leksand is widely considered the most traditional celebration in Sweden. It takes place in Sammilsdal (often called "Gropen"), a large natural amphitheater in the center of town that fills with tens of thousands of people every year.Unlike many other places that use machines, the massive pole in Leksand is raised by hand using long wooden sticks and pure manpower—a process that takes quite a bit of time and is met with cheers from the crowd.Once the pole is up, the "Little Frogs" (Små grodorna) dance begins, led by folk musicians playing the fiddle.

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