Who would have thought that more than 100 business executives in Athens would spend an evening wearing flower crowns, dancing around a Maypole, singing Swedish drinking songs and competing fiercely in traditional Midsummer games?
Yesterday, it happened.
The Hellenic-Swedish Chamber of Commerce hosted our first-ever Midsummer Celebration at the Golf Club of Athens, bringing one of Sweden’s most cherished traditions to Greece.
What followed was pure Midsummer magic.
Flower wreaths were worn proudly. Swedish delicacies were enjoyed. Colleagues became teammates, strangers became competitors, and before long some of Greece’s most accomplished professionals were taking the Midsummer Femkamp far more seriously than anyone expected—running around the venue, hunting quiz answers, debating strategy and competing with remarkable determination.
Later, everyone gathered around the Maypole. People who had arrived expecting an evening of networking suddenly found themselves dancing Små Grodorna and singing along with complete strangers. It may have looked unusual to any non-Swede watching, but it captured exactly what Midsummer is all about.
Because at its heart, Midsummer is not really about flower crowns, frogs or even strawberries and cream; it is about friendship, community and bringing people together.
And perhaps that is why it feels so natural to celebrate it in Greece. While our traditions may differ, both Greek and Swedish cultures value hospitality, togetherness and the joy of gathering around a table with friends.
The evening was also a reminder that meaningful business relationships are often built not only in meeting rooms and boardrooms, but through shared experiences, laughter and a little friendly competition.
Most importantly, it reflected what our Chamber stands for: creating meaningful connections, strengthening the bonds between Greece and Sweden, and building a vibrant community where business and friendship meet.
🏆 Congratulations to Team “Loreen” for winning the 2026 Midsummer Femkamp after competing against teams including ABBA, Avicii and The Cardigans.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and supporters whose generosity made the evening possible:
🏆 Gold Sponsor: Volvo Car Greece
🥈 Silver Sponsors: Alfa Laval IKEA / Housemarket, Inventor A.G. S.A., Sobi – Greece
🎁 Sponsor in Kind: SKF Group
🎁 Gift Contributors: IKEA Helios Pasta Industry, Oriflame Cosmetics, Hellenic-Swedish Chamber of Commerce
A special thank you to our hosts, volunteers, game masters and everyone who helped create such a memorable evening.
And finally, thank you to everyone who joined us, sang with us, danced with us and embraced the spirit of Midsummer.
To the next one.
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