Denmark Blazes into Summer
Image: Shutterstock/ Michele Ursi
Sankt Hans Aften, a vibrant Danish celebration held on the evening of June 23, marks the summer solstice. While it coincides with the feast of Saint John the Baptist (Sankt Hans), the celebration s roots stretch back to Viking times.
Much like the Spanish San Juan festivities, bonfires are a central element. In Denmark, these bonfires serve as a symbol for the warding off of evil spirits, echoing a practice that stretches back centuries. People gather around these crackling flames, creating a warm and communal atmosphere.
The Rise of the Straw Witches: A Quirky Tradition
While San Juan often features bonfires for purification and good luck, a uniquely Danish twist comes with the tradition of straw witches. These effigies, a quirky addition that emerged in the 1920s, commemorate past witch burnings. Legend has it that when the witch burns, she takes flight to a mythical gathering of witches in Germany.
The tradition of straw witches has a complex meaning. It might be seen as a way to reclaim the narrative. Witch hunts were a dark period in European history, and the burning of straw witches could be seen as a way to reclaim the narrative. By creating a light-hearted effigy and burning it, some believe it might be a way to acknowledge the past without glorifying it.
Singing with National Pride: ‘Vi Elsker Vort Land’
Following speeches, a sense of national pride fills the air as the Danish crowd joins in the song. ‘Vi Elsker Vort Land’ (We Love Our Country) by Holger Drachmann has been the patriotic anthem associated with Sankt Hans since 1885, adding a layer of cultural significance to the festivities.
Where to Celebrate Sankt Hans Aften in Copenhagen
If you find yourself in Copenhagen during Sankt Hans Aften, numerous locations offer free celebrations. Popular spots include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Ofelia Plads, and Enghaveparken. So, immerse yourself in the warmth of the bonfires, the spirit of community, and the unique traditions that make Sankt Hans Aften a special Danish experience.
Sign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our
Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Written by
Catherine McGeer
I am an Irish writer who has been living in Spain for the past twenty years. My writing centers around the Costa Cálida. As a mother I also write about family life on the coast of Spain and every now and then I try to break down the world of Spanish politics!
Leave a comment Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Known as the PEOPLE’S PAPER, Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain. And it’s FREE!
Covering the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Almeria, Axarquia, Mallorca and beyond, EWN supports and inspires the individuals, neighbourhoods, and communities we serve, by delivering news with a social conscience. Whether it’s local news in Spain, UK news or international stories, we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home.
With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month, EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain. The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close.
Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP), Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall). All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers. All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE.
Sign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Close
