Sankt Hans brings out old viking traditions

23 June is St. Hans Day in Denmark, which celebrates the burning of witch dolls in bonfires

by Anine Dedekam Moldskred

The weather has been warm for a while, but the real Danish summer begins on St. Hans Eve.

St. Hans Eve has been celebrated ever since the time of the Vikings. At that time, people were travelling around to visiting healing water wells and built large bonfires to ward away evil spirits.

Although an unofficial holiday since 1770, St. Hans is the ultimate summer celebration in Denmark.

Herbs and witches

There are several reasons why St. Hans was celebrated. For example, the 'doctors,' or medicinal wise-men and women, spent St. Hans collecting herbs that would be used for the rest of the year.

Nowadays a fake witch made of straw and cloth is burned over a bonfire in reference to the witch-burning craze in 16th and 17th century Denmark.

So why the bonfire? It will help send the witches back to Bloksbjerg, which also known as the mountain 'Brocken' in the Harz region of Germany. Here the witches gather and have their own party.

Where to go?

The bottom line is that on Thursday, 23 June you should find a bonfire to stand by. Sing along, and enjoy the barbeque… the old Viking way!

No matter where you live in Copenhagen, there will be bonfires – and perhaps burning witches - near your home:

Nørrebro:
The multicultural part of the city will celebrate St.Hans in lively Blågårds Plads, which will naturally attract a wide range of entertainment. Circus, barbeque, bar – and of course the bonfire - will bring the diverse neighbourhood together. The children’s activities start at 16.00 and barbeque at 18.00. The bonfire lights up at 22.00. Need to know more? Click here for more info.

Frederiksberg Gardens:
In Frederiksberg Have all ages are welcome. This year they celebrate 50 years of bonfires in the garden! The Nordic food guru Claus Meyer is this year's bonfire toastmaster, and is accompanied by several artists throughout the evening. It all starts at 19.00, and the bonfire is on at 21.30. Here is the link with the invitation.

Downtown:
For those who prefer to gather with friends for music and a barbeque on this very night, the answer is the “Grill Texas Rock‘n’Roll”. The grill begins at 18.00 and the popular band, The Executives, performs from 20.00 to 23.00. The bonfire starts at 22.00. Read more here

The traditional bonfire at Tivoli has something special – a burning ‘witch’ inside! See it for yourself at 21.30. The program is also packed with entertainment with guided tour, parades and Frank Sinatra-night. Read the impressive program here!

On June 23rd, the very touristy harbour of Nyhavn offers chilled-out jazz and barbeques from the many waterfront restaurants. It all starts at 16.00 and the writer Allan Mylius Thomsen is holding this year’s bonfire speech at 21.55. Find the complete program here.

Amager - Beach:
Prefer a beach party? The long, sandy beach of Amager is offering two of the sort! One is held on the beach by Øresundsvej, and arranged by the organisation Copenhagen Pride. The Communists are arranging another bonfire, located by Gammel strand by Svend Vonveds Vej. Both parties start at 17.00 and lasts until midnight. Check for updates here.

Østerbro:
Docken offers funky music for funky people. This means chilled-out atmosphere with lounge music and eco-food. The attractive location brought in 1500 guests last year – so be fast to reserve a table at the beach or the terrace! It all starts at 18.00, and the bonfire is set to 21.00. Performance by Funkwizz, and Anders from Balstyrko. Get more info here.

In the suburbs:
If you are going outside the city for a different experience, go to Gentofte. A balloon clown is waiting if you! The bonfire is at the lake. The event also includes a bonfire speech, orchestra and fireworks! It starts at 19.30. You can also see bonfires at Bernstorffsparken, by Charlottenlund Fort, at Bellevue and in Dyssegårdsparken.

The popular museum of modern art, Louisiana, has also joined in on the St.Hans festivities. This year, they go all out, offering workshops, guided tours, Latin Jazz and a bonfire speech by the TV-host Mikael Bertelsen. The activities start at 17.00 and the bonfire is lit at 21.00. See the full programme here.

Have a bewitching evening!

Uni-avis@adm.ku.dk

Stay in the know about news and events happening in Copenhagen by signing up for the University Post’s weekly newsletter here.

• Send
• Share