One of the most characteristic and beloved Swedish traditions of all is Midsummer's Eve. It's the longest day of the year – when the sky never darkens – and usually takes place on Friday sometime between June 19 and 26. People are dancing around a maypole wearing flower crowns. A typical Midsummer menu features different kinds of pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, a variety of snaps, and strawberries with cream for dessert.