Walpurgis Night (Valborg) and May Day

Walpurgis, or Valborg (short for Valborgsmässoafton), also affectionately known as 'the last of April', is one of Sweden’s most cherished spring traditions. Originally, it was a way to mark the changing seasons and keep evil spirits at bay – but today, it’s a joyful community celebration. So why do Swedes still gather around bonfires on Valborg? Simply put: to welcome spring. It's a symbolic farewell to the dark, cold months, and a big, fiery hello to lighter days ahead.

Students embrace it as a preview of summer holidays, while families and friends come together to sing, watch the flames, and enjoy the first true outdoor evening of the year. Expect choral singing, springtime speeches and plenty of people huddling together, slightly shivering – but smiling – in the glow of the bonfire.

You’ll also spot lots of Swedish flags waving – 30 April happens to be the birthday of King Carl XVI Gustaf, who turns 80 in 2026. The occasion is marked by a thanksgiving service (‘Te Deum’) at the Royal Palace Church in Stockholm, followed by celebrations in the outer courtyard, where the Swedish Armed Forces pay tribute.

And as if these celebrations weren't enough, they're followed by May Day, a national public holiday packed with parades and political demonstrations.

When are Walpurgis and May Day in Sweden?

Walpurgis Eve is celebrated on 30 April, followed by May Day on 1 May.

Who can celebrate Walpurgis?

Everyone! Friends, families, couples – anyone who enjoys a good bonfire and a singalong.

How to do it like a local:

Sing (or hum) along with the choir, wrap up warm and be genuinely thrilled that summer is on its way.

What to do on May Day?

1 May has been a public holiday in Sweden since 1939. Many take part in demonstrations for workers’ rights, while others enjoy a well-deserved day off in true springtime spirit.

Where can you celebrate Valborg 2026?

Walpurgis is celebrated all over Sweden, often with local gatherings in parks or by lakes. If you're looking for bigger bonfires and livelier crowds, here’s a selection of some of the major Valborg events across the country:

Uppsala: Valborg in the university town of Uppsala is a people's party, with around 120,000 people usually gathering in the Ekonomikum Park. Don't miss the raft race down the Fyris River and the choral song at Uppsala Castle.

Stockholm: The historical open-air museum Skansen hosts one of the largest Walpurgis celebrations in Sweden. Expect a traditional evening with choral singing, a bonfire and fantastic views over Stockholm. For more Walpurgis events across the city, see Visit Stockholm’s website.

Gothenburg: Students gather in the park Trädgårdsföreningen to listen to live music. A large caravan called Cortègen, featuring entertaining self-made vehicles, has been travelling through the city on Walpurgis Night every year since 1909. In Slottsskogen, you can look forward to a traditional and festive evening with springtime speeches and the classic bonfire. For more Walpurgis celebrations in Gothenburg, see the city’s official website.

Lund: The university town of Lund has several celebrations. The largest one, which takes place in the city park Stadsparken, gathers around 25,000 people for bonfires, choral singing, and spring speeches.

Read more about Walpurgis and May Day at sweden.se.