Tjena!
The 30th of April is coming so is Valborg (ValborgsmĂ€ssoafton). But what is it and why is it a beloved holiday in Sweden? Let’s dive into it… đ
Valborg is a traditional Swedish holiday celebrated on April 30th. The celebration has pagan origins and is also celebrated in some other countries in Northern Europe, such as Finland, Estonia, and Germany, where it is known as Walpurgis Night. The name “Valborg” comes from Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century English missionary. The tradition of bonfires on Valborg dates back to the Middle Ages when the fires were used to ward off witches and evil spirits. Today, the bonfires serve as a symbol of spring and the hope for a good harvest. In general, Â and is believed to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Valborg is a time for celebration and festivities. People gather together to light bonfires, sing songs and dance. The celebrations usually begin bright and early with champagne, smörgĂ„stĂ„rta (looks like layered cream cake, the photo above), and strawberry breakfast, in Swedish “champagne frukost” and they continue through the afternoon with the lighting of bonfires and other festivities lasting well into the night. Bonfires are an integral part of Valborg. People gather around the bonfires, sing songs, and socialize. Streets are often filled with people, and music can be heard throughout cities. All people come together to celebrate Valborg, making it a truly special and inclusive holiday. Interestingly, this is one of the veeeerry few days when you can approach strangers and sing along with them without hesitation đ
Valborg is also a time for eating traditional Swedish food, such as herring, new potatoes, hard bread, chives and schnapps. You may hear about âklassisk sillunchâ which is traditional herring lunch (but I never did it with my Swedish friends so I’m not sure how popular it is). Many people also enjoy traditional sweets and candies. In addition to traditional Swedish food, many people also enjoy barbecuing or having picnics with friends and family. Some people also like to grill sausages or marshmallows over the bonfire, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere.
Stockholmâs Skansen organises Valborg with pure Swedish traditions. But, the most famous Valborg celebration takes place in Uppsala and Lund, where students sing traditional songs from early morning until late at night (there are also other traditions which you can read about online). Other cities and towns throughout Sweden also hold their own Valborg celebrations, with music, dance, and food. These sometimes enormous bonfires are either organized by the municipality or the neighbourhood. The municipality-sponsored bonfires are somewhat like carnivals. The less flammable neighbourhood fires have a block-party enthusiasm. If you prefer a more intimate celebration, it’s not uncommon to stay at home with family (or perhaps with close friends in our case). In Linköping, celebrations are usually held at StĂ„ngĂ„n but also TrĂ€dgĂ„rdsföreningen is where many of the LiU students gather to enjoy drinks and music in the nice warm spring weather. You can read more about the plans for this year here.
Overall, from the lighting of bonfires to the traditional Swedish food and drink, Valborg is a time for people to come together and enjoy the beginning of spring.
Celebrating Valborg in Sweden is a unique and special experience that is not to be missed (I missed it for the first two years due to Corona but last year was awesome). If you are in Sweden now or next year, make sure to experience this wonderful celebration for yourself.
/Alexandra, Experimental and Medical Biosciences
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