Every year on the 30th of April one of the biggest student events takes place all over Sweden: Valborg!
Before getting into what Valborg means to students let’s have a look at the tradition behind it. Valborg or in English Walburgis Eve originally aimed to scare off witches and evil spirit by lighting huge bonfires. Today it has developed into more of a general celebration of the arrival of spring. For students however it also means that the last month of the semester before the summer breaks begins which is a good reason to celebrate!
The day is usually spent at Linköpings Trädgårdsförening, which is a park located in the city centre. There is even a little stage where usually local bands will pay live music for students to enjoy. Because basically all of LiU’s student gather there, all wearing their ovve (overalls), you have to be there early to grab a spot. Here are the essentials to bring:
- Blankets/camping chairs: To sit on, you and your friends can build a little island with them
- Food: Coordinate with your friends, maybe you want to grill and it’s best not to bring double of everything, also bring some fresh things like fruit not just chips
- Drinks: Yes, that includes alcoholic beverages but be responsible and bring lots of water to keep your fluids up
- Trash bags: It is important that you take all the trash with you and leave the park nice and clean
- Appropriate clothing: Of course if you have you wear your ovve, also don’t wear your best shoes as they might get ruined in the park and while it is end of April it might still be quite chilly outside and you will be outside for a quite some time
- Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses (fun ones if you have) and sunscreen, you will be out in the sun a lot so make sure you don’t get a heat stroke
- Small bag: Something that you keep on you at all times with all your valuables, since it does get quite crowded and messy throughout the day
My set up for this year will include my overall, my very stylish IKEA bucket hat, my favourite spacious cross body bag, my faithful camping chair, a cooler bag for drinks and food, some fun sunglasses and finally an old speaker (even though I know there is probably gonna be a lot of music sources).
For those very keen on keeping the celebrations up throughout the night there are usually two options: either going to the Full Moon Party at KK or the Kravall at Kårallen. You will have to get tickets prior to the day though, as tickets are limited and quite in demand.
With that enjoy the Valborg!
All the best,
Emily
Oh, and not to worry about having to go to class the next day because the 1st of May is a public holiday. It is Labour Day, so you get to sleep in the next day!
