Walpurgis Night – Sweden's very own spring kick-off!

Every year on April 30th, Sweden comes alive with the glow of bonfires, the sound of singing, and the joyful celebration of spring. This beloved tradition—Valborg, or Walpurgis Night—marks the seasonal shift with festivities that stretch back centuries.

As dusk falls, communities across Sweden gather in parks, open fields, and village greens to light towering bonfires. These fires, meant to chase away the last chill of winter, are accompanied by the singing of traditional spring folk songs—an uplifting symbol of renewal, warmth, and light.

Unlike many other seasonal holidays, Walpurgis is not typically a family-centric event. Instead, it’s a public celebration. Local groups, neighbourhood associations, and student organisations often take the lead in planning and hosting the festivities. It’s a time to come together, reconnect with neighbours, and share in the spirit of the season.

The origins of Valborg trace back to Germany in the Middle Ages, where the celebration was first established in the 15th century. It was named after Saint Walpurga, the daughter of an Anglo-Saxon noble who became an abbess in Germany during the 8th century. She was canonised on May 1st, and her name became forever linked with the spring festival that grew around that date.

But Walpurgis Night also coincided with other important traditions. May 1st was historically a significant day across northern Europe—when towns elected new guild leaders and villages appointed new aldermen. The night before, April 30th, naturally became a time for festivities, gatherings, and celebration—complete with fire, music, and community cheer.

Today, Valborg continues to be a cherished Swedish tradition, especially among students and in university towns like Uppsala and Lund. Whether it’s your first Walpurgis or a long-standing yearly ritual, the evening offers a beautiful way to welcome spring: with fire, song, and the simple joy of coming together.

Glad Valborg!

Image by Ranger Zang