Fastelavn

Origins and history

The name Fastelavn derives from Old Danish words meaning fast-evening, referring to the day before Lent. The custom evolved from Roman Catholic Carnival traditions but developed unique features after the region adopted Protestantism. Historical records show that early versions involved real cats in barrels, which were chased out to symbolize driving away evil spirits. This practice ended in the nineteenth century, replaced by candy-filled containers. The tradition spread through trade and cultural exchange with Germany and the Netherlands.

How it is kept

Children dress in colorful costumes and walk door-to-door singing songs to collect candy or money. In Denmark and parts of Sweden, families break open wooden barrels filled with sweets using sticks. The child who causes the candy to spill out becomes the cat king or queen. Another custom involves shrovetide rods made of decorated twigs, which children use to gently tap their parents on Sunday morning to wake them up. These activities replace older adult processions that were once common but later restricted by authorities.

Food and drink

The primary food associated with Fastelavn is the fastelavnsbolle, a sweet bun often filled with cream or pastry cream. These buns are sold in bakeries throughout February. In some regions, oranges are placed inside the candy barrels alongside sweets. The feast serves as a final indulgence before the fasting period of Lent begins. Communities share these baked goods during church services and family gatherings to mark the occasion.

Regional variations

Each country adapts the festival to its local culture. In Norway, student organizations host masquerade balls in historic lodges. Iceland celebrates Sprengidagur with similar themes but distinct local names. Estonia observes Vastlapäev, while Finland celebrates Laskiainen. In Ísafjörður, Iceland, the town aligns its celebration with the Monday mask-day tradition. Coastal areas in Denmark historically held boat processions, though this practice has faded into memory.

How Fastelavn is kept

Children wear costumes and sing for treats. Families break candy barrels. Parents receive gentle taps from twig rods. Students attend masked balls in Norway. Communities share sweet buns.

When and where

It falls on the Sunday seven weeks before Easter, usually in February or early March.

It is strongest in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Latvia, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland.

What Fastelavn means

Breaking the barrel represents defeating evil and chasing away bad spirits. The transition from real cats to candy reflects a shift toward safer, more inclusive family fun. The rods remind participants of historical religious penance, now softened into playful morning rituals.

On the table

• fastelavnsbolle
• semla
• fastlagsbullar
• pastry cream
• whipped cream
• oranges
• candy
• sweets

Days Fastelavn is marked

Questions people ask about Fastelavn

See also

Christmas treeA decorated evergreen or artificial tree placed indoors to mark the Christmas season.Mardi GrasA festive day of parades and rich foods marking the final celebration before the Christian fasting season of Lent beginsAdvent calendarA daily countdown to Christmas using doors, images, or small gifts.Saint Lucy's DayA December festival of light and song held across Scandinavia and Italy to honour a Christian martyr.

Good reading and sources

• Fastelavn on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.