Sankt Hans events in Denmark 2011

Midsummer night (Sankt Hans aften) – 23 June is a great celebration in Denmark. If the weather is nice you can experience a real magic evening.

Sankt Hans aften, the evening before the summer solstice, is celebrated everywhere in Denmark. The highlight of the evening is a large bonfire on which a figure, usually a witch, is burnt. Bonfires are built in meadows, parks, or on the beach, with enough space around them. Most people meet early at these places and have picnics. Usually an important person holds a speach and after the fire is lit and the witch burns, the partygoers sing traditional songs and celebrate.

Sankt Hans combines quite a few different traditions. The name itself derives from John the Baptist (Hans), and the witch at the stake refers of course to the witchburnings. The burning sends the “witch“ away to Bloksbjerg, a mountain in the Harz region of Germany. Moreover, herbs are said to have magical powers on this night.

Don't miss this evening. It can be really very nice. See the list below of where you could go to join the crowd.
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If you know of other events, please post a comment to this page.

Sankt Hans event in Copenhagen     Sankt Hans event in Roskilde   Sankt Hans event in Odense   Sankt Hans event in Århus   Sankt Hans event in Aalborg