Gustavus Adolphus Day in Sweden Date in the current year: November 6, 2024

King Gustavus Adolphus was killed in 1632 during the Battle of Lützen. The date of his death is actually November 16, not 6. At the time of his death Sweden used the Julian calendar (old style). Later Sweden started using the Gregorian calendar, but original date of king's death is still used now.

Gustavus Adolphus Day is an official flag day, that means the flag of Sweden is flown on all public buildings and flagpoles. Earlier observance of the day saw torchlight processions and patriotic speeches, but the tradition was forgotten. The remains of the old tradition is only consumption of special cakes with a chocolate or marzipan relief of the king on the top.

Gustav Adolphus Day got a special popularity since the 200th anniversary of king's death in 1832. The major celebrations feature the cities, founded by Gustavus Adolphus, or the cities that got considerable donation to funding of the universities.