Already in the morning on Walpurgis Eve, thousands of people have gathered along the Fyris River in Uppsala to watch the traditional rafting. Neither the gusty wind nor the occasional light drizzle seems to dampen the celebration. In the adjacent City Garden, student associations have already started the party.
I think it's so cozy, it's social, you get to celebrate the arrival of spring – I love it, says Joni af Uhr, who is studying biomedical science.
"Very strange experience"
Yesterday's triple murder in central Uppsala has not killed the festive atmosphere, but everyone TT talks to is aware of and has reflected on the event.
It was a very strange experience. We were at a club at the same time as it happened. It put a bit of a damper on the mood, says Joni af Uhr.
You have it in the back of your mind, but at the same time, it's sad if you would cancel everything, says Hjalmar Hokkanen, who is studying economics.
Victor Karlsson and Sally Hansdotter come from Söderhamn and are sitting on a blanket with a glass of bubbly each.
It's probably lying a bit in the air. At first, we didn't know if it was a terrorist attack, considering there are a lot of people in Uppsala, says Sally Hansdotter, who works in the city.
Both were out in town on Tuesday when they heard about the deed. Victor Karlsson, who is studying law, read about it in UNT, and his sister called to check that they were okay. He describes that it became a feeling of uncertainty before it became clear what had happened.
It doesn't feel like there's any overriding danger. People seem calm that it won't happen again. So you're not scared, but it's unpleasant, he says.
None of them think the attack will affect the festive atmosphere to a greater extent.
It might become a topic of conversation, but I think it will mostly be like usual.
The Police: "Keep living"
The police also urge people not to cancel their plans due to the murders. At a press conference, it is stated that they have the necessary staffing to ensure that visitors can feel safe during the Walpurgis celebration – one of the largest police events of the year.
Åsa Larsson, local police chief, says it is important for Uppsala residents to "keep living".
We're handling this and we're out there, we'll be out there. We can never guarantee anything. But you should keep your daily routine.
