Fastelavn

This carnival tradition known as Fastelavn is set to take place on March 2. While it has its roots in Denmark, Fastelavn is also celebrated in numerous Northern European nations such as Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Estonia, and the Faroe Islands. In Sweden, it’s referred to as Fastlagen, whereas in Iceland, it is called Öskudagur. Finland celebrates it as Laskiainen, Estonia as Vastlapäev, and Germany knows it as Fastelovend. Among these, only the town of Ísafjörður in Iceland celebrates Fastelavn on the same date as its Nordic neighbors, opting to call it Maskadagur, or mask day.

A Brief History of Fastelavn

Fastelavn has been celebrated every February since the observance of Lent began, tracing its origins back to the Roman Catholic Carnival that occurs prior to Lent. However, it has evolved to include unique features since Denmark transitioned to a Protestant nation. This lively event unfolds in the week leading up to Lent, culminating on Shrove Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. Although primarily a Danish festivity, various countries and regions have their own interpretations of the traditions, which have also changed over time. The term itself derives from the Old Danish word ‘fastelaghen,’ which can be linked to the Middle Low German ‘vastel-avent,’ meaning ‘fast evening.’ Other variations of the name include Dutch Vastenavond, Kölsch Fastelovend, Limburgish Vastelaovend, Scots Fastens-een, and Latvian Vastlāvji.

One of the most delightful aspects of Fastelavn is the tradition where children dress in costumes and go door-to-door, singing the Fastelavn song while collecting treats. This song celebrates sweet buns known as ‘Fastelavnsboller,’ which are specifically associated with Lent, although the kids often receive candy or money instead. Some might draw parallels between this custom and Halloween, and they wouldn’t be mistaken; Fastelavn is often seen as a blend of Halloween festivities and carnival cheer.

Another fun tradition involves ‘slå katten af tønden’—or ‘hit the cat out of the barrel’—which resembles a piñata celebration. This occurs after the Shrove Sunday church service in Denmark.

Fastelavn Timeline

• 1840: Inspired by Norwich students’ experiences in Paris, masked balls begin to take shape.
• 1863: Kunstnerforeningen hosts carnival balls featuring Johan Svendsen’s ‘Norsk Kunstner Karneval.’
• 1864: Edvard Grieg is inspired by Svendsen’s ‘Fest Polonaise’ performance, leading to his own ‘Aus Dem Karneval.’
• 1894: The Grand Hotel opens, providing a venue for ongoing carnival balls.
• 1988: After the Rococo Hall burns down, Tårnseilerne takes over the helm for annual masquerade balls.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fastelavn

• Why is Fastelavn celebrated? It is a rich tradition with deep cultural significance, rooted in the Roman Catholic practice of observing the days leading up to Lent.
• What traditions are practiced in Denmark? Denmark boasts numerous Easter traditions, such as painting eggs, egg hunts, and rolling eggs downhill. Additionally, the country celebrates Whitsunday and Pentecost in the spring.
• Who are some famous Danish figures? Notable actors like Viggo Mortensen and Mads Mikkelsen are from Denmark, along with talented singer Lukas Graham, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, and football player Nicklas Bendtner.

Fastelavn Activities

• Hit the cat out of the barrel: Don’t fret—no cats are harmed! This fun activity involves a wooden barrel adorned with a cat design and filled with candy.
• Indulge in fastelavnsbollers: Also known as Fastelavn buns or Shrovetide buns, these sweet rolls are typically filled with whipped cream and topped with icing. Similar treats can be found in other countries, such as Sweden’s Semla.
• Attend a ball: Join in on the celebrations with carnival balls, masked events, parades, and other festivities surrounding Ash Wednesday and Pancake Tuesday. The carnival atmosphere is filled with masks, costumes, and even opera performances!

Five Fascinating Facts about Fastelavn

• Lucky cat: In the 1500s, a live cat was used in the barrel, but it was never harmed and was set free afterward.
• Shrovetide rod: Known as ‘fastelavnsris,’ this is used by children to wake their parents for sweet treats.
• Playful greetings: Young adults often greet each other with playful fights and by flinging ashes.
• The sermon: Children learn about the importance of appearances and what it means to hide behind a mask.
• Boating parades: In the 1700s, special boat parades filled with decorations and music took place along the coast.

Why We Adore Fastelavn

• It’s reminiscent of Halloween: With children going door-to-door in search of treats, Fastelavn closely mirrors the spirit of Halloween, a holiday we all love!
• It’s a celebration: The carnival and masquerade balls promise a night of fun. The processions are filled with excitement, from boat displays to parades!
• Culturally rich: This vibrant festivity is steeped in a rich cultural heritage, explaining why the Roman Catholic communities in Northern Europe celebrate it with such enthusiasm.

Fastelavn Dates

• 2022: February 27 (Sunday)
• 2023: February 19 (Sunday)
• 2024: February 11 (Sunday)
• 2025: March 2 (Sunday)
• 2026: February 15 (Sunday)

For more details, check out findnomore.net.

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