Walpurgis Night
Publish date: 29 April 2022
Celebrate the coming of spring with a traditional Walpurgis bonfire on April 30th in Stockholm.
Walpurgis night, or Valborgsmässoafton, dates back as far as the Middle Ages. In the beginning, it was celebrated by merchants in the cities (the 30th of April marking the end of their fiscal year) but it was also celebrated in the countryside, to mark the passing of spring into summer. Farmers would let their livestock graze late into the evening and lit bonfires to ward off any predators or evil spirits lurking in the shadows.
The bonfires are still part of the Walpurgis celebration, with a family-friendly bonfire event (and accompanying food stalls and choir performances) in virtually every part of the city. Nowadays it’s also an evening of partying and clubbing. Both since the following day, the 1st of May, is a holiday and since the university and college semesters are winding down with only a few exams and lectures left. You won’t have to look hard to find a great party with music to your liking.