Walpurgis history and traditions
Walpurgis Night is a very special event and a great way of experiencing a Swedish tradition. 30 April is a widely celebrated event in Scandinavia, most of all in Sweden and is called Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish. Walpurgis Night precedes Labour Day in Scandinavia on 1 May — a public holiday in Sweden since 1939.
One of the main traditions in Sweden is to light large bonfires, a custom which began during the 18th century. Lighting bonfires was traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits, especially demons and witches.
Nowadays, Walpurgis Night is usually seen as a celebration of springtime and a way of getting rid of excess gardening odds and ends. Swedes celebrate the end of a long winter by singing spring songs that originally was spread by students' spring festivities and Walpurgis Night celebrations. Walpurgis eve is a very special night for students as it heralds freedom and is a big party night.
Don’t be surprised if you see Swedish flags all around the country to salute the King, as King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrates his birthday.
Celebration in your city
Härnösand
Walpurgis Eve will be celebrated with bonfires at various places in Härnösand on 30 April, but the largest and mostly visited places are: Antjärn, Bondsjöplan, Gerestaskolan, Ramsås bygdegård, Säbrå församlingsgård.
Sundsvall
Celebrate Walpurgis Eve at North Hill (Norra Berget) with choral singing, speeches and traditional bonfire. The bonfire is lit at 18.00.
Östersund
At Walpurgis Night the largest bonfire in Östersund will be lit at Vinterparken, the celebration will start 20.00 to 21.30.
For information regarding Student Union activities at Walpurgis Eve, please visit your Student Union website:
Härnösand Student Union
Sundsvall Student Union
Östersund Student Union
