Halloween in Stockholm

Well, our weekend continued to be lazy as we all recovered from our busy vacation week and I recovered from my nasty cold.  Several people have asked me about the Halloween traditions in Sweden.  It is definitely celebrated more here than in France but we didn't hear of or see any trick-or-treaters.  In Luleå, they were having a light festival on the night of the 31st, with light displays, music, art and people waving glow sticks on the square.  It was very pretty and something that we were able to enjoy before getting on the train.

At school on the Friday before Fall break, all of the little kids classes had class room parties with candy, costumes, etc and as I posted before, our big kids were also encouraged to wear a costume to school although no parties actually took place for them.  In Stockholm, there was a Halloween parade on Saturday, the 2nd.  We didn't attend but I got the feeling that that was kind of THE big thing for Halloween for families.  There were also plenty of bars having Halloween parties on Saturday night.  We found pumpkins in many places and some decorations, even a party store dedicated to Halloween at this time of the year.  We thoroughly enjoyed a yummy Princess cake turned into a Halloween cake on Friday.

The true big thing that is celebrated by all though, seems to be Allhelgonahelg.  This is the celebration of All Saints Day.  It is when everyone goes to a local cemetery and either lights a candle for, says a prayer for or just remembers loved ones who have died.  Quite impressive.

We tried to take the kids out for a big brunch today at Sirop, a little local restaurant that is supposed to serve fantastic American style pancakes.  I have read wonderful things about this place and since it is only about a block from home, we wanted to check it out.  We were told to arrive early as it fills up quickly and stays busy all day.  Well, we got there 10 minutes before they opened but the line was already down the street!  We didn't get a seat and the line kept growing so we decided to come home and make our own pancakes.  So for $10 for about 8 oz of maple syrup, we enjoyed pancakes at home.  Looks like Stockholmites appreciate a good American pancake!