Caramelldansen is a high-energy dance meme originating from the 2001 song by the Swedish group Caramell. The meme took off in 2006 when a speeded-up version of the track was paired with a looping animation of two characters from the visual novel Popotan performing a rhythmic hip-swinging dance with their hands over their heads like ears. It quickly became a viral sensation on platforms like 4chan and YouTube, evolving into a template where virtually any fictional character or real-life person is edited to perform the dance under flashing rainbow lights. Known for its infectious beat and 'kawaii' aesthetic, Caramelldansen remains a cornerstone of early internet culture and anime fandom.