.svg)
Get ready to celebrate Walpurgis Night on April 30! This holiday has its roots in Germanic folklore and is believed to ward off evil spirits and welcome the spring season. It is celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and feasting, making it a lively and joyous occasion. In some parts of Europe, it is also known as "Witches' Night" or "Hexennacht" where people dress up in costumes and perform rituals. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, Walpurgis Night is a fun and unique celebration that brings communities together. So grab your friends and family and join in on the festivities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>AD 710</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Walpurga's Canonization</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Walpurga was canonized. She became associated with warding off illnesses, rabies, and witchcraft, influencing the origins of Walpurgis Night.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>April 30 Rituals Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>On the date of Saint Walpurga's feast day, pagan customs were Christianized and Saint Walpurga became associated with April 30 rituals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1600s</div></div><div class 'timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Link Between Walpurgis & Witches</div><div class='timeline-text'>In folk tales and literature, a connection between Walpurgis Night and witches started to become popular.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Traditional Bonfire Rituals</div><div class='timeline-text'>Rituals like lighting bonfires to ward off witches and other evil spirits on Walpurgis Night became widespread across Germany and other European countries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1930s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations Begin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Modern day celebrations of Walpurgis Night, including costume wearing, parades, and feasting, began to take shape.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a bonfire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Walpurgis Night is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, so find a local event or gather with friends and family to light a fire and enjoy the warmth and festivities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dress up in costume</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In some countries, it is customary to dress up in costumes on Walpurgis Night. Get creative and have fun with it, whether it's a historical costume or something more modern and whimsical.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a May Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>May 1st, also known as May Day, falls within the timeframe of Walpurgis Night celebrations. Check your local area for any parades or festivals happening on this day and join in on the fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a traditional Walpurgis Night meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research traditional recipes from countries that celebrate Walpurgis Night and try your hand at making a special meal to honor the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Maypole dance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In some countries, Maypole dancing is a popular tradition on Walpurgis Night. Gather some friends and dance around a tall pole adorned with ribbons, creating intricate patterns as you go.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of spring</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walpurgis Night, also known as May Day Eve, is traditionally celebrated on April 30th as a way to welcome the arrival of spring. It's a time to let go of the cold winter months and embrace the warmer weather and new beginnings.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's steeped in history and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walpurgis Night has been celebrated for centuries and is deeply rooted in Germanic folklore. It's a time to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the coming of spring with bonfires, dancing, and feasting. Participating in these traditions can be a fun and unique way to connect with history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a night of celebration and fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walpurgis Night is a time for communities to come together and celebrate with music, food, and festivities. It's a chance to let loose and have fun with friends and family, making it a beloved holiday for many.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saint Walpurga is Often Depicted with Ears of Corn</h3><p class='facts-content'>Symbolizing her historical role as a protecter against famine, Saint Walpurga is traditionally depicted with ears of corn in Christian iconography, a factor that interestingly blends with the welcoming of spring during Walpurgis Night.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walpurgis Night is Named After an English Missionary</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite being largely celebrated in Germany and other parts of Europe, Walpurgis Night is named after Saint Walpurga, an English missionary known for her healing abilities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Wearing White is a Walpurgis Night Tradition</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Sweden, it is traditional for students to wear white caps during Walpurgis Night celebrations; this practice mirrors the revelry of welcoming spring and purity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walpurgis Night Inspired Classic Literature</h3><p class='facts-content'>The infamous scene "Walpurgis Night's Dream" in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's tragic play "Faust" was inspired by the folklore and traditions surrounding Walpurgis Night.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walpurgis Night is Celebrated Differently Across Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>While bonfires and costumes are common in most regions, celebrations can vary by country. For instance, in Finland, it is customary to drink mead and sima, a type of homemade beer.</p></div></div>
Walpurgis Night is celebrated on April 30 every year. In 2024 Walpurgis Night will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Apr 30
Sunday
2024
Apr 30
Tuesday
2025
Apr 30
Wednesday
2026
Apr 30
Thursday
2027
Apr 30
Friday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
