Fastelavn 2024: On February 11, Fastelavn’s carnival tradition will officially begin. Though it is observed in many Northern European nations, including Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Estonia, and the Faroe Islands, fastelavn is a Danish custom. Fastlagen is the equivalent in Swedish, Öskudagur in Iceland, Laskiainen in Finland, Vastlapäev in Estonia, and Fastelovend in German. Ísafjörður, which celebrates Fastelavn on the same day as the other Nordic countries, is the only town in Iceland that does so; it calls it Maskadagur (mask-day).
History Of Fastelavn
Since Lent has been observed, Fastelavn has always been held in February. It shares similarities with the Roman Catholic custom of Carnival, which occurs before Lent, but since Denmark became a Protestant nation, the event has taken on certain unique features. It concludes on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and takes place the week before the Christian season of Lent.
Although it is predominantly a Danish holiday, celebration customs may differ slightly among the participating nations and areas, with certain customs evolving. The word “fast evening” originates from the Old Danish term “fastelaghen,” which is derived from the Middle Low German term “vastel-avent.” Dutch Vastenavond, Kölsch Fastelovend, Limburgish Vastelaovend, Scots Fastens-een, Latvian Vastlāvji, and others are some of its various variations.
Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door gathering treats for the feast while singing the Fastelavn song throughout, a custom shared by carnival ball celebrations throughout all nations. Though the kids are provided candy or money as they sing, the song is literally about sweet buns, notably Lent buns, or “Fastelavnsboller” as they call it.
We understand that what you’re thinking is similar to a spooky holiday observed on the last day of October. Yes, you’re correct—some people sometimes refer to Fastelavn as a cross between Halloween and a carnival. Aside from children singing, there is another ritual known as “slå katten af tønden” (leap the barrel). It takes place in Denmark on Shrove Sunday after the church service, much like the idea of a piñata.
Fastelavn Activities
Launch the feline from the boat.
You don’t need to hit or hurt any cats at all, so don’t worry. It resembles a piñata that is filled with candy and has the shape of a wooden barrel with a cat painted on it.
Consume some fast-food noodles.
These are sometimes referred to as Lenten buns, Shrovetide buns, or Fastelavn buns. These are icing-covered, delicious round pastries that are stuffed with whipped cream. Some nations, such as Sweden, prefer rolls and buns similar to this.
Go to a ball
Participate in parades, masked balls, carnivals, and other processions, such as Pancake Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. There are masks, costumes, and even opera performances associated with the Carnival celebration!
Five Fascinating Facts about Fastelavn
- A live cat was used in the barrel during the 1500s; the cat was released when it was not killed.
- Or, as children call “fastelavnsris,” to rouse their parents so they can receive the sweets.
- Young adults play fight and cover each other with ashes as a pleasant morning greeting.
- Youngsters are instructed to concentrate on outward looks and the concept of mask-wearing.
- Special boat processions with decorations and music were held along the coast in the 1700s.
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Our Love for Fastelavn
It resembles Halloween.
It is getting close to Halloween, with the youngsters going door to door for Fastelavn in the spirit of trick-or-treating. We also adore Halloween!
It is a sphere.
The masquerade and carnival balls seem like a lot of fun. There are lots of surprises in the processions as well, like parades and boats!
It has a diverse culture.
The whole celebration has its roots in a deeply ingrained culture. It seems sense that the people who practice Roman Catholicism in the nations of Northern Europe celebrate it.
FASTELAVN DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 27 | Sunday |
| 2023 | February 19 | Sunday |
| 2024 | February 11 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 15 | Sunday |
