In Sweden, Ascension Day, known as 'Kristi himmelsfärdsdag' in Swedish, is a public holiday that is traditionally celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday. The day commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven according to Christian belief. Regardless of which day of the week Easter Sunday falls on, Ascension Day always takes place on a Thursday. This creates a 'de facto' long weekend for many Swedes.
On Ascension Day, Sweden comes alive with religious services, family gatherings, and various outdoor activities. Christian Swedes often attend church services where hymns celebrating Christ’s ascension are sung. For many who are non-religious, the day is merely a opportunity to enjoy the arrival of spring. This day often unofficially marks the start of the summer season in Sweden, with many people taking advantage of the long weekend to head to the countryside or coastal areas.
In addition to religious observances, Ascension Day in Sweden also coincides with the traditional rural custom of driving cattle to their summer pastures. This often includes a festive procession, known as 'kättsta' or 'dalkarlsvandring'. The city of Stockholm annually hosts a large public gathering in the Royal National City Park, where people enjoy picnics, traditional Swedish music, and various outdoor activities to celebrate the beginning of summer.