In Sweden, Midsummer is one of the most important holidays of the year and it's a party only the rest of the world can dream of.
Fueled by Absolut, the event took place in Ahus, Sweden: with one source of the best winter wheat, pure spring water and this one community providing the best vodka in the world.
Traditionally, the event runs all day (there is only an hour of dusky darkness) and encompasses food, games, the Midsummer pole, dancing and "shots" until you think you can actually sing and dance with panache.
So, pick up your Absolut, get your friends together and celebrate the longest day Swedish-style.
If you speak Swedish, you'll know this song which is traditionally sung before the shots:
Helan går
Melody: Helan går
Helan går,
sjung hopp, faderallan lallan lej.
Helan går,
sjung hopp, faderallan lej.
Och den som inte helan tar,
han heller inte halvan får.
Helan går!
Sjung hopp, faderallan lej!
Phonetic transliteration:
Hal and Gore,
shun hop, father Alan Lalan ley
Hal and Gore,
shun hop, father Alan ley.
Oh handsome in the hell and tar
an’ Hal are in the half and four.
Hal and Gore!
Shun hop, father Alan ley!
Translation:
Now for the First!
Sing hop, faderallan lallan ley.
Now for the First,
sing hop, faderallan ley.
And those who won’t the First One take
they also Number Two forsake.
Now for the First!
Sing hop, faderallan ley!