Tonight is “Valborg” here in Sweden, also known as “Walpurgis night” in English. It’s a pagan celebration (originated from Germany I think) and one I never heard of before moving here.
All over Sweden tonight people will be lighting huge bonfires. Here in the city there will be plenty to choose from to go see.
Like many old-time ceremonies, the bonfires were used to ward off evil spirits. Also also to celebrate the coming of spring. For a lot of people, this day marks that spring really has arrived. Especially this year, since nothing has bloomed just yet, but it’s getting very close, ready to burst into spring!
When I first moved here 2 years ago, it was a month before Valborg. I was so excited to finally witness my first Valborg, we had big plans for the evening. But on that day (it was a Wednesday I think) I, very conveniently, sprained my ankle. So I never got to see the bonfires (what with the pain and barely being able to walk with the damn crutches).
But last year we went to the big bonfire on Riddarholmen, where Stadshuset (City Hall) was the backdrop. And that’s where we’re going again tonight.
It’s such a beautiful setting because the bonfires aren’t lit until evening, and the sun doesn’t set until after 8:30. And even so, it takes hours before the light in the sky disappears. So there is an almost seemingly permanent sunset around you while you watch a fire, that reaches many stories in height, burn away the evening.
My god, spring in Stockholm is amazing, isn’t it?