Celebrating the 2023 Swedish Presidency of the European Union

by Norah Vawter

The House of Sweden, aka the Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C., promised that their event celebrating Sweden’s 2023 EU Presidency would be a “magical evening.” Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which rotates between EU nations, until June 30, 2023. As Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in December, “Sweden is taking over the Presidency at a time when the European Union is facing unprecedented challenges. A greener, more secure and freer Europe is the foundation of our priorities.”

The Embassy’s celebration took place on January 19, and it really did feel magical. No hyperbole. This wasn’t just a party, but an immersive experience that brought me as close to Sweden as I could get without, you know, going to Sweden.

The Embassy described the environment created indoors as “an enchanted winter wonderland that reflects Sweden’s unique natural landscapes, from the Northern Lights to the Arctic tundra to the High Coast.” That description is spot-on. Performers—like a silent, dancing, fairy-like woman who weaved her way in and out of the crowd—represented spirits of the Swedish forest, snow, and lakes. The building itself was designed with Sweden’s natural landscape in mind: for example an artificial river runs through part of the building, highlighting the importance of water to the Swedish nation. The effect: a powerful, vivid, authentic whole.

A celebration of Sweden’s rich culture along with its natural beauty, the event featured an inaugural live performance by musician Ola Stinnerbom, a Sámi joik artist; video installations; a fascinating photography exhibit, edible nature-inspired food art by chef Frida Johansson; craft cocktails by Absolut; a rooftop ice experience and more.

On arrival, I noticed several people grouped around the entrance to a room, some with cameras, and there was mist coming out of the room. When I reached the threshold, which no guest had yet penetrated, I saw a mysterious fog (likely produced with dry ice) enveloping an art gallery.

Photo credit: Antonella Ciancio. Courtesy of the Embassy of Sweden.

The gallery’s exhibition, Faraway So Close, was produced by the Embassy of Sweden and curated by Helene Larsson Pousette and Johan Pousette. Documentary images from the 1960s reflect Swedish perspectives on the United States by a variety of Swedes photographing their experiences. Closer to our time, Hannah Modigh’s photography series Hurricane Season and Hillbilly Heroin Honey reflect the artist’s time in Louisiana and Appalachia. Tova Mozard’s video art Psychic and Cops Are Actors engage with American culture, stereotypes, and the relationship between the camera and artist.

In the gallery room’s center, a table housed a miniature forest—featuring a complex and colorful ecosystem of tiny trees and flowers and other flora. As the mist died down, I discovered that much of this Swedish forest was edible. Chef Frida Johansson’s food creations were artistically fascinating, magical, and delicious. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried her pickled mushrooms.

Other highlights of the evening included a trip to the roof, where we sampled cocktails by Absolut, with stunning ice cubes hand-cut before our eyes, and took in the dazzling, birds-eye view of the city at night.

When the Embassy’s speeches began, we were reminded that the evening marked an important moment in current events. Remarks were given by the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Karin Olofsdotter and Sweden’s Ambassador to the European Union, Stavros Lambrinidis.

Every six months, the European Union’s council rotates its presidency, ensuring that no individual country rules the union, a custom both inspiring and important. As Ambassador Olofsdotter spoke about Russia’s war on Ukraine, Swedish support for Ukraine, and the importance of unity in Europe, I was reminded of the crucial role Sweden plays in European and global politics, and the power the European Union can wield to shape a better future for our shared planet. Sweden’s four priorities during the presidency are security, competitiveness, green and energy transition, and democratic values and the rule of law.

Another highlight was the performance of pre-colonial cultural expressions, demonstrating the Embassy’s commitment to honoring Sweden’s indigenous people, the Sámi and giving voice to people who were previously silenced by colonial oppression. I was shocked by a powerful singing voice—haunting, beautiful, and inviting. I couldn’t understand a word, but Sámi joik artist Ola Stinnerbom transported me to the land of his indigenous people. His performance reminded me of the power of the land we walk on, and the responsibility we have to honor the Native peoples whose land we occupy, wherever we live. In the D.C. area that includes the Piscataway, Pamunkey, Nentego (Nanichoke), Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Monacan, and Powhatan tribes.

The House of Sweden treated me to an evening that demonstrated responsibility, joy, a proud desire to share their country with the world, and the urgent need to protect our natural wonderland. Sweden: I can’t wait for the chance to visit you. Until then, I’ll always have the Embassy.

Norah Vawter is DCTRENDING’s local authors editor. She has an M.F.A. in creative writing from George Mason University and is querying her first novel. She lives with her family in Northern Virginia. Follow her on Twitter @norahvawter, where she shares words and works of D.C. area writers every Friday.

An Immersive Winter Wonderland at the Swedish Embassy