allsång

Allsång is a form of communal singing in which a group of people participates by singing along with a lead performer, choir, or instrumental accompaniment. The term comes from Swedish all (“everyone”) and sång (“song”), and the practice emphasizes inclusive participation and easy-to-sing repertoire. Lyrics are typically provided on-site or on-screen to encourage participation, and the arrangement commonly relies on a simple melody line and repetitive refrains that beginners can join.

Historically, allsång draws on Swedish choral and folk-singing traditions from the 19th and 20th centuries and has evolved into a public-entertainment format. In modern times, it takes place in parks, squares, theaters, and as television programs, often featuring a host who introduces songs and interacts with the audience. The songs chosen tend to be familiar, ranging from traditional folk tunes to popular hits, reinforcing a sense of community through shared singing.

A notable and emblematic example is Allsång På Skansen, a long-running Swedish summer program broadcast from Skansen in Stockholm, which has helped popularize the format beyond local gatherings.

Allsång events are widely used to foster social connection and national cultural expression, especially during the summer months, and they continue to be adapted for live audiences and digital media.