Stockholm police responded to reports of disturbances and injuries during Valborg celebrations Thursday, April 30, 2026, with two teenagers arrested after incidents in Rålambshovsparken, commonly known as “Rålis.” The annual event, marking the arrival of spring, saw large gatherings across the city, but the situation in Rålis required police intervention.
Authorities were called to the park on Kungsholmen due to reports of individuals setting off fireworks and disturbances within a crowd estimated to be in the hundreds, primarily consisting of teenagers. According to police, a field assistant was struck by a rocket during the evening.
“A person has been arrested for shooting a rocket at a field assistant,” said Mats Eriksson, a spokesperson for the Stockholm police. The field assistant did not sustain serious injuries. The individual who fired the rocket, also a teenager, is being held on suspicion of attempted aggravated assault and creating a dangerous situation for others. A second teenager was also arrested on similar charges after throwing firecrackers into the crowd.
Police urged parents to retrieve their children from the park as the evening progressed. The incidents in Rålambshovsparken occurred amid widespread Valborg celebrations throughout Stockholm, with traditional bonfires and festivities taking place in parks and public spaces across the city and surrounding areas.
Other Valborg events in Stockholm included celebrations at Skansen, featuring student choirs and traditional speeches, as well as festivities on the island of Grinda. Events were also held in Frihamnstorget, Hågelbyparken, and Kyrksjön, catering to families and individuals of all ages.
The unrest in Rålis underscores the challenges authorities face in managing large public gatherings, particularly during traditional celebrations where alcohol consumption and fireworks are common. The case highlights the potential for escalation when large groups of young people congregate, requiring a significant police presence to maintain order.
