Long days, bright nights, and unforgettable traditions - summer in the Nordics is unlike anywhere else. As Midsummer celebrations bring families and communities together, we asked three biathletes from three different countries to share how they celebrate this special holiday and what the tradition means to them.

The midnight sun

Zara Larsson's smash hit "Midnight Sun" might have been inspired by the real occurrence of the North, where the sun really does not set for the whole day. The Finns and the Swedes celebrate Midsummer Eve on the Friday between June 19 and 25, depending on the year. Midsummer Day follows on Saturday. Midsommar celebrations in Sweden include flower crowns, the midsummer feast and dancing around the Maypole (Midsommarstång).

"The special food is traditional, with herring, new potatoes, and we also eat a lot of seafood. Of course, we also have a strawberry cake. Otherwise, it is some games and just a good time with family and friends," says the Swedish biathlete Annie Lind.

Dancing all night long

In the country of a thousand lakes, Finnish people head to the countryside to their summer houses to spend time off with family and friends. Bonfires are lit around the country as a leftover tradition from the past. Then people believed the bonfire, or kokko, would keep evil spirits away and ensure a good harvest.

"During midsummer, we gathered with my friends from biathlon and cross-country skiing and made some food on the barbecue." Sonja Leinamo says.

"At the end of the night, we headed to a barn where people were dancing to old songs. This is super popular in Finland during the summers! Usually I spend Midsummer at our summer cabin, so it was nice to be with friends in Vuokatti for a change."

Wildflowers and family time

South of Finland, Estonia has quite similar traditions. Different to its northern neighbours, the celebrations took place on Victory Day, Jaanipäev, on the 23rd and 24th of June.

"We have a very Estonian tradition of setting up a fine on Jaanipaev. We usually gather with family, friends and lots of other people. The day is about collecting wildflowers in the forest, grilling and having some local traditional Estonian food," Regina Ermits explains.

Photos: The athletes home albums