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Flowers under pillows and naked rituals: What really happens at Swedish Midsummer
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 21, 2026
· 1 min read
By Lisa Kjellsson, CNN
(CNN) — Perhaps you’ve seen the viral YouTube clip of the Hollywood actress Alicia Vikander explaining to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel what Swedish Midsummer is all about (she even taught him the classic “frog dance,” jumping around in sky-high stilettos).
Or maybe you’v...
Key takeaway By Lisa Kjellsson, CNN (CNN) — Perhaps you’ve seen the viral YouTube clip of the Hollywood actress Alicia Vikander explaining to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel what Swedish Midsummer is all about (she even taught him the classic “frog dance,” jumping around in sky-high stilettos).
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso 's Scandinavian community may not be as large as those in other parts of the country, but for those who celebrate Swedish Midsummer, the traditions and festivities are just as meaningful. While the city's desert landscape is far removed from Sweden's summer houses and coastal scenery, local families and friends still gather to mark the occasion with traditional foods, music, and dance. The maypole tradition, in particular, is a beloved custom that brings people together, and local community centers or parks may host their own Midsummer celebrations, complete with pickled herring, Aquavit, and dancing around the maypole. As El Paso continues to grow and diversify, events like Midsummer offer a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and education, allowing residents to experience and appreciate the customs and traditions of other countries and communities.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Lisa Kjellsson, CNN
(CNN) — Perhaps you’ve seen the viral YouTube clip of the Hollywood actress Alicia Vikander explaining to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel what Swedish Midsummer is all about (she even taught him the classic “frog dance,” jumping around in sky-high stilettos).
Or maybe you’v...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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