If you’re living in Sweden and hear people talking about Valborg, get ready for one of the most atmospheric and cherished spring traditions in the country. Celebrated on April 30th, Valborgsmässoafton (Walpurgis Night) is a magical evening when Swedes gather to sing, light bonfires, and say a joyful goodbye to winter.

Whether you’re in a bustling city like Stockholm or a quiet countryside village, Valborg offers a sense of community, tradition, and seasonal change, something you won’t want to miss.

Where It All Began: The History of Valborg

Valborg has deep roots in both pagan spring celebrations and Christian tradition. It’s named after Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century abbess from Germany, whose canonization was celebrated on May 1st. Over time, her day merged with older Norse traditions that celebrated the return of light, warmth, and fertility.

Today, Valborg is mostly secular and all about celebrating the arrival of spring, and trust me, after a long, dark Swedish winter, it’s no wonder people get excited!

What Happens on Valborg?

1. Bonfires (Majbrasor)
The heart of the celebration is the bonfire, or majbrasa. These large fires are lit all over Sweden, at parks, lakesides, and open fields, to symbolically drive away winter and welcome the new season. The crackling flames, often accompanied by choirs singing traditional spring songs, create a cozy and festive atmosphere that feels both ancient and joyful.

2. Choirs and Speeches
Many Valborg events include choral performances by student or local choirs. They sing classic spring songs like Vintern rasat ut (Winter has fled), creating a truly magical moment as their voices rise into the cool evening air. In some towns, there are also speeches by local leaders or students, celebrating the changing seasons, nature, and community.

3. Student Celebrations
In university towns like Uppsala and Lund, Valborg is a huge deal. Students wear their white graduation caps (studentmössa), attend picnics, and take part in full-day (and often full-weekend) festivities. In Uppsala, for example, the day begins with a quirky river rafting competition and ends with thousands gathering in the city park.

Even if you’re not a student, it’s worth visiting one of these towns just to soak in the lively atmosphere.

How You Can Join In

If you’re new to Sweden, Valborg is a fantastic opportunity to experience Swedish culture up close. You don’t need to bring anything fancy, just dress warm, find a local event, and enjoy the moment.

Many municipalities post schedules of Valborg events, so check your local website or Facebook groups to see what’s happening nearby. Here a few tips:

Valborg in Stockholm
Valborg in Uppsala
Valborg in Gothenburg
Valborg in Lund

Tip: Bring something warm to wear, it’s spring, but Sweden in April can still be chilly!

To make it even cozier, be sure to bring:
– A blanket or folding chair
– A thermos with coffee or hot chocolate
– Snacks or a picnic dinner
– A camera, it’s a very photogenic tradition!

What About May 1st?

The day after Valborg is also a public holiday in Sweden: Första maj (May Day). Traditionally, it’s a day for political marches and speeches organized by labor unions and political groups. So, if you’re out and about on May 1st, don’t be surprised if you see parades or people handing out flyers. It’s a calm and respectful kind of demonstration, and also a great excuse to take it slow after a late night!

Spring is officially here!

There’s something special about Valborg. It’s not just the flames or the songs, it’s that sense of togetherness. Whether you’re watching kids toss twigs into a fire, listening to a choir under a pink sunset, or laughing with neighbors over a cup of coffee, you’re part of a long tradition of welcoming the light back into everyday life.

These moments help you feel more at home in Sweden. So grab your gloves, find a bonfire, and join in!

Have you experienced Valborg before? Planning to check it out this year? Share your thoughts or photos in our Facebook group, we’d love to see how you’re celebrating!