7 Danish Traditions That'll Make You Want to Join the Party ASAP!

Fastelavnsboller, Gækkebreve or J-Day - hyggelige traditions that need some explanation. For Danes, those traditions are known since childhood. For foreigners, it is definitely worth experiencing the unique and cherished rituals that define Danish culture and bring communities together in joyous celebration.

1. Fastelavn - Danish Carnival:

Fastelavn, Denmark's version of Carnival, is celebrated in February or March, depending on the date of Easter. Children dress up in costumes and participate in parades, while adults indulge in sweet treats like "fastelavnsboller," delicious cream-filled pastries. One of the highlights of Fastelavn is the "slå katten af tønden" (beat the cat out of the barrel) tradition, where children take turns hitting a barrel filled with candy until it breaks open.

2. Gækkebreve - Greeting cards:

Gækkebreve are a charming Danish tradition observed in the weeks leading up to Easter. These intricately crafted letters feature a riddle or poem written by the sender. The identity of the sender is kept a secret, and recipients must guess who sent the letter. If the recipient guesses correctly, they receive a chocolate egg, but if they're unable to identify the sender, they owe the sender a chocolate egg instead. Gækkebreve add an element of mystery and fun to the Easter season, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among friends and family.

3. Sankt Hans Aften - Midsummer's Eve:

Sankt Hans Aften, or Midsummer's Eve, is celebrated on June 23rd, marking the transition from spring to summer with joyous festivities.
This ancient tradition traces its roots back to pagan times when bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Today, Sankt Hans Aften is a time for communities to come together, with bonfires blazing across the country's beaches, parks, and countryside. One of the most iconic aspects of Sankt Hans Aften is the burning of effigies, typically representing witches. According to folklore, witches are said to gather on this night to hold a sabbath, and the bonfires serve as a symbolic way to ward off these evil spirits.

4. High School Graduation Week:

In the last week of June, Danish high school students celebrate their graduation with a week-long series of events known as "studenterkørsel" or "rus." Decked out in elaborate costumes and riding in decorated trucks, students parade through the streets of their hometowns, celebrating the culmination of their secondary education. It's a time of joy, camaraderie, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The students wear the typical hats, not only during the parade. During and after the last week of June, it's common to see students wearing their typical graduation hats all over the country, to almost every occasion.

5. Mortensaften - St. Martin's Day:

Mortensaften, or St. Martin's Day, is celebrated on November 10th in Denmark. It honors St. Martin of Tours and marks the beginning of the traditional Danish Christmas season. One of the highlights of Mortensaften is the feast featuring roast duck, a deliciously crispy treat enjoyed by families across the country. Legend has it that if you can hear the sound of geese flying overhead on Mortensaften, it's a sign that Christmas is near.

6. J-Day - The Arrival of Christmas Brew:

J-Day marks the official start of the Christmas season in Denmark, typically falling on the first Friday in November. It's a day when breweries release their Christmas brew, and Danes eagerly gather to be among the first to taste the seasonal beer. Bars and pubs across the country are adorned with Christmas decorations, and the festive spirit fills the air as friends toast to the holiday season.

7. Julefrokost - Christmas Lunch:

In Denmark, Christmas is a time for cozy gatherings with family and friends, and one of the most cherished traditions is the Julefrokost, or Christmas lunch. These festive feasts often last for hours and feature an abundance of traditional dishes such as pickled herring, roast pork with crackling, and rice pudding with almonds. Danish Christmas lunches are also known for their lively atmosphere, with plenty of snaps (aquavit) and singing of traditional Christmas carols.