BURNING INSIDE THE FOREST! Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) VALBORG 2022! #Valborg #bonfires

April 30th might just be a normal day to the rest of the world but to the Swedes, this mythological, traditional and fun day is called Valborgsmässoafton.

This old Swedish tradition is famously celebrated by lighting large bonfires, singing spring-themed songs, blasting fireworks, and for the young adults – partying it up a bit.

As with many Swedish traditions, they are religiously celebrated, but not many Swedes can tell you just why they celebrate these days so tirelessly.

This is how our century-old tradition Valborg became one of Sweden’s most beloved traditions:

Sweden has a lot of incredibly unique holidays and traditions that might not be known to those living inside the country. One of these traditions is in the month of April and is called Walpurgis Night or known to Swedes as Valborg. So what the heck is this tradition and why do Swedes find it so special?

History
The Valborg holiday comes from Germany and was popularized in Sweden in the middle ages. A holy mother at a monastery named Saint Walpurga was named a saint on May 1st in the 1400s and since her declaration the day has been famous in Germany as Walpurgisnacht. The name, Walpurgis, inspired the Swedes to name the holiday, Valborg.

Back in the middle ages, the administrative year ended on April 30th which was a day of celebration by the merchants and craftsmen of the town with trick or treat, dancing and singing in preparation for the anticipated commemoration of spring.

Amidst farmers and peasants, this day was meaningful as this was when the yearly village meeting took place, when a new alderman was selected and food and drink such as eggs and schnapps were served. During this day farm animals were also let out to graze.

Since the early 1700s, bonfires were illuminated to keep predators away in addition to firing guns, shaking cowbells, and yelling or screaming. In some parts of Sweden, young individuals went through town singing May songs for food on Walpurgis Night.

Valborg Today
Today, Valborg (short for Valborgsmässoafton) is celebrated on the last day of April and is a traditional spring festivity in Sweden. The festivity is an anticipation of summer as student exams are almost over and there are only a few more lectures before the semester ends.