Walpurgis Eve is this year on April 30, 2024
Valborgsmässoafton, also known as Walpurgis Night, is a traditional Swedish holiday celebrated on the evening of April 30th. It has its roots in a combination of pagan and Christian traditions and is a festive occasion to welcome the arrival of spring and bid farewell to winter.
Valborgsmässoafton is named after the saint Valborg, and the day used to commemorate her canonization. However, today it is more associated with the celebration of spring.
One of the most well-known traditions on Valborgsmässoafton is the lighting of large bonfires. These bonfires symbolize driving away winter and beckoning spring. People gather around the bonfires, sing songs, and enjoy festive activities.
Valborgsmässoafton also marks a transition to springtime leisure activities and outdoor pursuits. Many young people celebrate by singing spring songs and running around with mayflowers, which are small decorations made of colored paper.
In many university towns, Valborgsmässoafton is an important day of celebration for students. Student unions organize parties, concerts, and events to celebrate spring and conclude the academic year.
Valborgsmässoafton is a festive and joyful time in Sweden when people come together to welcome spring and enjoy community and time-honored activities. It is a time to bid farewell to winter and look forward to a brighter and warmer season.