midsummer

Midsummer Ski Race in Kilpisjärvi

Midsummer is one of the most important holidays in the Nordic countries. In Finland, many grocery shops are usually open seven days a week, even during many holidays; but midsummer – Juhannus in Finnish – belongs to the few days where most shops are closed. Midsummer is also an event that for many people seems to be closely connected to heavy alcohol consumption, which leads to numerous accidents every year. While alcohol and drug abuse is a problem in many northern communities, also tourists visiting the north are prone to celebrate with lots of alcohol.