The venerable tradition of ringing in the New Year at Skansen, Stockholm, continues this year with the esteemed actor Johan Rabaeus entrusted with the recitation of the iconic ”Nyårsklockan” (The New Year’s Bell) poem. This time-honored ritual, dating back to the late 19th century, sees the evocative verses of Lord Alfred Tennyson’s ”Ring Out, Wild Bells” – translated into Swedish by Edvard Fredin – resonating across the snowy landscape of Skansen, marking the passage of time and ushering in the hopes and aspirations of a new year. Rabaeus, a seasoned veteran of stage and screen, expressed his profound honor at being selected for this prestigious task, acknowledging the gravity and significance of the moment.
The New Year’s Eve celebration at Skansen, broadcast live across Sweden, promises a vibrant tapestry of music and entertainment, culminating in the countdown to midnight. Leading the festivities will be the charismatic Farah Abadi, who will guide the audience through the evening’s program. Joining the celebration are an array of celebrated musical artists, including Sarah Klang, known for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics; Loa Falkman, the distinguished opera singer whose rich baritone has graced stages worldwide; and Gustaf Norén, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and former member of the popular indie-pop band Mando Diao. This diverse lineup ensures a captivating and memorable experience for viewers across the country.
Johan Rabaeus boasts a distinguished career spanning over five decades. His journey began in the 1970s, and he has since become a recognizable face in Swedish film, television, and theater. His impressive filmography includes roles in classics like ”Goltuppen,” the historical drama ”Ivar Kreuger,” and the critically acclaimed ”Ondskan.” His presence on the Skansen stage adds a layer of gravitas and theatrical flair to the New Year’s Eve proceedings, ensuring a nuanced and powerful delivery of Tennyson’s timeless words. His most recent appearance on the silver screen is in the latest installment of the beloved ”Jönssonligan” franchise, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Swedish popular culture.
”Nyårsklockan,” penned in 1850 by the celebrated English poet Lord Alfred Tennyson, forms the centerpiece of the Skansen New Year’s Eve tradition. The poem’s evocative imagery and resonating themes of hope, renewal, and societal change have made it an enduring classic, recited annually at Skansen since the late 19th century. This enduring tradition underscores the poem’s universal appeal and its capacity to inspire reflection and contemplation at the cusp of a new beginning. The poem’s themes of letting go of the old and embracing the new resonate deeply with audiences, providing a moment of collective introspection as the year draws to a close.
The tradition of reciting ”Nyårsklockan” at Skansen has become deeply ingrained in Swedish culture, representing a shared moment of reflection and anticipation. Families gather around their televisions, sharing in the countdown to midnight and the evocative words of the poem. The broadcast, a staple of Swedish New Year’s Eve programming, fosters a sense of national unity and shared experience, connecting people across the country in a collective embrace of the new year. The snowy backdrop of Skansen, with its historic buildings and festive atmosphere, adds a touch of magic to the proceedings, creating a truly memorable experience.
As the clock strikes twelve, the resounding chimes of the bells at Skansen will mingle with the final lines of ”Nyårsklockan,” ushering in a new year filled with hope and promise. The collective sigh of relief and anticipation that accompanies this moment underscores the profound significance of the tradition, marking not only the passage of time but also the renewal of hope and the promise of a fresh start. The combination of Johan Rabaeus’s compelling delivery, the vibrant musical performances, and the enchanting setting of Skansen creates a powerful and moving experience for audiences nationwide, solidifying the New Year’s Eve celebration at Skansen as a cherished tradition for generations to come.
