Hoisted flags on Sweden's national day – follow events on the net

At the beginning of the 20th century several countries in Europe thought there should be a greater awareness of their own country and people, nationalism was widespread at the time. Sweden did not have a national day, and some people thought it was high time to have one.

When the First World War broke out-out- people in various parts of Sweden celebrated ”Sweden's flag” day on 6th June. Then the day began to be celebrated by more and more people. 6th June did not be come an official national day until 1983, and it took many years before it became ”red” day in the calendar, that is, a work-free day. It did not become a national holiday until 2005.

There are two important reasons for celebrating on 6th June. On that day in 1523 Gustav Vasa was elected by parlament to be king, and on 6th June 1809 Sweden's constitutional laws were signed. The constitutional laws are of great importance as regards human rights.

The constitutional lawsestablish everyone's right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Everyone has the right to speak and write abot whatever they wish without the risk of being sent to prison.