With the days getting longer and the temperatures becoming milder, some summer traditions start to unfold in Denmark. One of them is surely Sankt Hans Aften, also called the Danish midsummer celebration. On the 23rd of June, around dusk, lots of Danes gather around bonfires singing songs and celebrating the Danish version of Midsummer’s Eve. What is the story behind it? How do locals actually celebrate it?
Rituals and Festivities
The celebrations of Sankt Hans Aften go back hundreds of years in Denmark. It was originally a Pagan tradition, where many bonfires were lit to push away the evil spirits until the sun reached the highest point in the sky. The connection with religion is understandable when Sankt hans is translated. In fact, the name refers to Saint John and his birth on June 23rd. Throughout history and evolution, bonfires remained the main element of the celebration, with fire having a protective power against witches and dark spirits. Some rural populations would even start up flames on top of hills or little mountains to maximize the power of it.
Today, the tradition remains strong in Denmark as well as the presence of bonfires in it. It is a symbol of togetherness, warmth, and community, all very important values to the Danish community.
Today’s celebrations
The reasons behind the celebration have shifted since the old days. Today, it is less about superstition and evil and more about celebrating the warm season. With about 17 hours of sun a day, families and friends gather at beaches, parks, and countryside lakes to light up massive bonfires accompanied with speeches, live music, and lots of food. The most iconic and memorable part of the tradition is the Danish song Midsommervisen (the ‘Midsummer Song’), regularly sung to celebrate. The lyric, in fact, reflects what the festivity is all about today: hope and joy of the community. Internationals are more than welcome and appreciated when joining the singing and celebrating the holiday along with Danes.
Celebrate it like a local
If you are an international living in Denmark and you would love to celebrate this Danish tradition like a local, here are some tips to follow:
- Check the local newspapers the previous weeks to understand what the community in your area will do to celebrate on June 23rd.
- Learn the song “Midsommervisen” ahead of time to be ready to sing it around the fire. Don’t freak out if your pronunciation is not perfect, you will still be appreciated for your effort and welcomed by locals.
- Plan a night out with your friends, maybe starting with a good picnic surrounded by nature. Bring a blanket, some snacks, something you enjoy to drink and start your celebration.
- If the bonfire you are planning to go to is one of the most popular, be sure to get there early and secure your spot! it is going to fill up with people very quickly.
- The best part? Chatting and connecting when the bonfire is almost out and the sun is disappearing behind the horizon. That’s when you will experience a real example of Danish hygge!
Whether you are visiting Denmark or you live here, experiencing Sankt Hans Aften is magical and should be considered a must. It is the best occasion to connect with Danish nature, culture, and people. The line is thin between a one time experience and a yearly must go to.
This article was written by Sigga Nordgaard Hansen, founder of and Danish teacher at Lingua Danica – an online learning platform that has helped thousands speak a more active and confident Danish.
👉 Follow @linguadanica on Instagram (instagram.com/linguadanica) for almost daily tips and tricks on learning the Danish language and understanding Danish culture.
