Posted on April 30, 2022
This is an update of my post published on April 30, 2011:
It’s May Day Eve tonight! Time to eat, drink, and be merry around a roaring bonfire!
Some people dress up like witches and go out into the streets in a sort of wandering carnival.
Some folks watching the bonfires may be dressed like witches, too.
There’s dancing, “capping” (wearing special caps and putting similar hats onto statues), entertainment, speeches…and sometimes pranks, as well.
This holiday is called various names in various countries, including Valborg in Sweden, Vappu in Finland, Hexennacht in Germany, Volbrioo in Estonia, and the čarodejnice in the Czech Republic.
What’s it all about? Well, it’s another spring festival—another way of celebrating the return of sunshine and warmer temperatures. It seems to me that this holiday is a cross between Halloween and Mardi Gras—but with the added benefit that the next day, May Day, is also celebrated by many!
Also on this date:
Honesty Day in the U.S.A.
El Día de los Ninos /
El Día de los Libros
Bugs Bunny Day
Anniversary of Louisiana’s Statehood
Spank Out Day
Anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase
Birthday of the King of Sweden
Valborg in Sweden
Reunification Day in Vietnam
Queen’s Day in the Netherlands
Eeyore’s Birthday Party
(Last Saturday)
International Table Top Day
(Last Saturday in April)
International Table Top Day
National Sense of Smell Day
(Last Saturday in April)
Plan ahead:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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May holidays
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May birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in May