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Walpurgis Night (Swedish: Valborgsmässoafton, or simply Valborg) is a major traditional festival celebrated on April 30th in Sweden and Finland to welcome spring. It marks the transition from the dark, cold winter to the light and warmth of the coming season.
Popular Regional Variations outside of Sweden.
Other Countries with Local Traditions
Popular Regional Variations outside of Sweden.
- Finland (Vappu): One of the biggest holidays of the year, essentially merging Walpurgis Night and May Day. It is a carnival-like celebration where people wear student caps, drink Sima (mead), and eat Tippaleipä (funnel cake).
- Germany (Walpurgisnacht): Often called Hexennacht (Witches' Night). The most iconic celebrations happen in the Harz Mountains, particularly on the Brocken peak, where legend says witches gather to meet the devil. People dress in costumes, play pranks, and dance to "drive away" evil spirits.
- Czech Republic (Pálení čarodějnic): Known as the "Burning of the Witches". Large bonfires are lit to burn straw effigies of witches, symbolizing the end of winter. A romantic tradition also exists where couples kiss under blossoming cherry trees after midnight.
- Estonia (Volbriöö): A massive spring arrival party, especially in the university town of Tartu. Like in Germany, people often dress as witches, and students lead festive processions through the streets.
Other Countries with Local Traditions
- Netherlands: Known as Heksennacht, though celebrations have shifted in modern times.
- Latvia & Lithuania: Celebrated with local variants that include bonfires and welcoming spring.
- United States: Observed by those of Scandinavian or German descent and celebrated as a major holiday by groups like the Church of Satan, which was founded on this date in 1966.