Graduation in Sweden

Every year, more than 100,000 high school students in Sweden graduate from high school. After three years of studying, tests, and graduation, children and parents celebrate. Both are happy because that chapter has ended. High school students because they can finally be considered adults, and parents because their children are growing up and becoming people. Some plan to get a job right after school, some to travel, and many plan to continue their education and enroll in one of their desired universities.
But before that, graduation needs to be celebrated.

And my friends, in Sweden they do it in a really wonderful way. White dresses, suits, and mandatory student caps. And every city in Sweden adds a special charm to that celebration.

These festivities gradually build up, starting with social gatherings throughout the year and gaining momentum as the spring approaches. Celebrations take place at the end of May or the beginning of June and involve festive public displays and private gatherings.

And what does that day look like? Well, it looks like the most beautiful day in Sweden.

The day begins with a champagne breakfast, followed by a farewell ceremony at schools. Families gather outside for the “utspring,” where students run out of their schools to be greeted with hugs, gifts, and baby photos held by relatives.

In Helsingborg, a southern city on the coast of Skåne, after running out of school, children walk to Kullagatan, the symbol of the city. There, in the park next to the fortress, all the high school students from the city gather. Down below, in the central city area, family, friends and other residents of the city wait in lines for the annual run down the fortress steps to begin. Some run alone, some carry flags, some wait for the whole class to walk. They all do it differently, but with the same smile on their faces.

Tired of walking and running, they end the graduation ceremony with the ride through the streets on decorated trucks or vehicles. Playing loud music and celebrating with their peers.

In the evening, many students host family receptions with food, cake, and gifts, followed by afterparties with friends.