National Dag

Last Sunday was Swedens national day. The nearest I can compare it to is the fourth of july with lots of swedish flags and patriotism.

We went in till stan, into Ystad to see the celebration, such as it was. We started by österportstorget and followed the brass band (in which Rolf plays in) and the old fire department (in shiny metal helmets and everything) and the people dressed in swedish folkdräkt, folk-clothing. We all ended up at stortorget where there was a long speech about the greatness of Sweden and Ystad followed by the national anthem Du Gamla, Du Fria, (Ye Old, Ye Free).

After that there was was something of a carnival near the old church. They had lots of vendors selling things like candy, souvenirs and ice cream. There was a stage set up where they had some music going. They had an oriental dance demonstration and a giant bag of balloons which they turned up and released all of them up into the air. There was even a dog obedience competition.