Today’s annual Doodle celebrates Sweden’s National Day, or Sveriges Nationaldag. On this day in 1523, Gustaf Erikson Vasa became the country’s first king after leading his people to independence from foreign rule. The day was first declared a national holiday in 2004, and has since become a special day of patriotism and pride for Swedes.
On National Day, Swedes come together in droves to celebrate the country’s progress. They attend big events, including parades, rallies, and concerts, dressed in festive costumes. At Skansen, the world’s largest open-air museum, children present flowers to the royal family before hoisting the blue and yellow flag into the sky. This is exactly what works of art looks like today. Many people enjoy picnics and Swedish dishes such as Grätdtårta med jordgubbar (strawberry cream cake), Smörgåstårta (seafood sandwich cake) and Fläderblomssaft (elderflower syrup juice).
Happy National Day, Sweden!