Celebrating Holidays

Through various events and activities, we strive to educate and engage the community in learning about Denmark and its traditions. From traditional Danish cuisine to dress-up fun, we celebrate Danish Holidays such as:

• Jul Fest (Christmas) The Danish word for Christmas is "jul", which comes from the Old Norse word "jól" or "jólablót", the pre-Christian pagan tradition of winter solstice. Jul dinner showcases roasted pork with prune gravy and Risengrød, or rice pudding, which has been a beloved dish in Denmark for centuries, a dish enjoyed by rich and poor alike.
• Fastelavn (in March or April) Fastelavn (fast-eh-LAOON) comes from the German word "Fastelabend" — which means "the evening before the fast" — and is translated into English in many ways, including Shrovetide, Shrove Tuesday and Carnival. Celebrated the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, Fastelavn is a Danish tradition of pre-Lenten revelry that has stood the test of time. Knocking the Cat Out of the Barrel (Slå katten af tønden) is a staple of any Fastelavn celebration. Who will be crowned the "Queen of the Cats," (kattedronning) or the "King of the Cats" (kattekonge)? Enjoying pea soup and Fastelavnsboller, or sweet buns from the local Danish bakery is a well anticipated event each year!
• Mid-Sommer As summer reaches its peak and the days grow longest, Danes come together to celebrate Midsummer's Eve, or "sankthansaften" as we call it in Danish.

Current Danish culture presentations, sharing Danish family ties and memories are a few of the events our club offers as a wide range of opportunities for members and those interested in Danish culture to immerse themselves in the Danish way of life.