Valpurgis Night
Valpurgis Night, April 30th, is a celebration to spring, which usually
has come a few weeks before that. There is no, or not much, snow left on
the ground at that time and people can start to come out of their "shells".
I like Valpurgis Night because it is a sign that summer is not
far away, and also it is a reason to celebrate!
There are thousands of bonfires and fireworks all around the
country, people gather around them, grill sausages and sing
songs. Valpurgis Night is simultaneously local and national, since its
enactments take place in local neighborhoods and town
gatherings all over Sweden virtually at once. It may sound
like an odd tradition, but I promise you - it can be a lot
of fun.
Sweden - Traditions - Valpurgis Night
created by Kajsa Friberg, k.1.friberg@student.murdoch.edu.au
Student at Murdoch University
last modified: May 27, 2001