By Lola Akinmade

Despite the current blanket of snow mixed with dirt and ice, Stockholm residents are counting the days till the first spring flowers sprout and the chilly air gradually warms up again

Though the long, dark nights can dampen people’s spirits and the frosty weather drives millions indoors, some of the most popular events in the country take place in February and March.

While some head over to Liljevalchs, an open public art space located on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm, to check out its annual Spring Exhibition (Vårsalongen) between January and March, others stay indoors, anticipating the country's biggest music festival.

Melodifestivalen

The Melody Festival has been held in Sweden every year since 1959 and is the nation's most watched event. In 2007 an estimated 4 million (almost half of the population) watched the finals - maybe because it takes place when the options for entertainment are few and far between.

It's a music contest, with the winner going on to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest. This year’s finals will be held on 14 March at Globen (the Globe Arena), and finalist Måns Zelmerlöw (a former Swedish Idol Star) is the favourite with his catchy disco-pop tune, “Hope & Glory”. No, really.

Valborgsmässoafton

The next festival on the horizon is Valborgsmässoafton (known as Valborg) which welcomes the arrival of spring. This one dates back to the 18th century, and although its roots are pagan – lighting fires to ward off malevolent spirits – it is now celebrated publicly regardless of religious beliefs.


Valborgsmässoafton can be a bit of a damp affair... until the bonfires are lit

The celebrations start mid-afternoon with choirs singing traditional spring songs, then bonfires are lit all over the city and the day usually ends with fireworks displays.

If you should find yourself in Stockholm on 30 April, head across Djurgårdsbron (Djurgårds Bridge) towards the world’s oldest open air museum and zoo, Skansen, on the island of Djurgården for the best bonfire in town.

30 April also happens to be Swedish King, Carl XVI Gustaf’s birthday, so you can make your way down to the Royal Palace earlier in the day to watch the ceremonial displays in his honour.

May Day

The day after Valborg, 1 May, is a public holiday - International Worker’s Day or Labour Day - so head over to Humlegården (a huge park) in Östermalm, and you may run into some marches. Depending on the weather, concerts and picnics are also held all over town.