Almedalen Week (Almedalsveckan) is an annual political event in Sweden. The event borrows its name from a park in the city of Visby on the Swedish island Gotland, where the main events of the week take place. For one, representatives from the major political parties in Sweden take turns holding public speeches in the park.
But Almedalen Week is so much more than established politicians speaking to the masses; it’s actually more of a festival for those with a cause. And the myriad of speeches, seminars, breakfasts, networking get-togethers and gimmicks attract thousands of people from most walks of life. Journalists, film crews, politicians, lobbyists, NGO representatives all pitch in to crowd this ancient city.
Video footage and editing: Per Gårdehall and Rikard Lagerberg
Almedalen Week has its roots in 1968 when Olof Palme held what was to become his first annual speech in Visby. The first official Almedalen Week took place in 1982 as the Social Democratic party organized financial seminars. Other political parties soon joined in and in 2011 Almedalen hosted approximately 1,500 events. It’s stiff competition for an audience: organizations scramble to reach out with their information, form networks and generate media attention, most with some measure of success.
Luckily, Gotland is also a summer paradise, the Swedish equivalent of, let’s say, Hawaii. Lapping sun, enjoying complimentary wine and foods, or just strolling along the ocean are some of the ways visitors can protect themselves from certain information overload.
Want to check out Almedalen Week in person next year? Make travel arrangements and book your lodging early...
Rikard Lagerberg
Rikard Lagerberg is a Swedish writer, editor and translator. For the second year running, Almedalen Week has driven him to new insights, a wider network and the brink of political madness.
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