Fastelavn brings a vibrant carnival spirit to Northern Europe every February or March. This tradition, often called ‘Nordic Mardi Gras,’ involves dressing in costumes, playing games like ‘slå katten af tønden’ (hitting the cat out of the barrel), and enjoying special Fastelavnsboller buns. Join in the festive fun, bake some treats, or explore its rich history!
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Expected Fastelavn Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows Fastelavn celebrations often feature deals on costumes, candy, and traditional baked goods. Expect retailers like Party City and local costume shops to offer discounts on masks and outfits. Grocery stores such as Lidl and Aldi, especially in regions with Nordic populations, may stock ingredients for Fastelavnsboller or even pre-made versions. Local bakeries will undoubtedly showcase their unique variations of the sweet buns. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 7 approaches.
Platform Guide for Fastelavn
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #Fastelavn. Share your costume reveals, Fastelavnsboller recipes, or barrel-hitting attempts in short, engaging videos.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Fastelavn. Post vibrant photos of your celebrations, colorful costumes, and delicious Fastelavnsboller creations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Fastelavn. Share community events, family traditions, or photos of your Fastelavn festivities with friends.
Fastelavn Hero
Svend Grundtvig
History of Fastelavn
Fastelavn has been taking place in February every year since Lent started being observed. It is related to the Roman Catholic tradition of Carnival which takes place before Lent, although the festival has had certain distinctive characteristics since Denmark became a Protestant nation. It occurs the week before the Christian season of Lent, ending on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent.
While it is primarily a Danish celebration, the traditions of the festivity may vary somewhat across the countries and regions, with some traditions changing over time. The word comes from the Old Danish term ‘fastelaghen,’ which itself comes from the Middle Low German term ‘vastel-avent’ (‘fast evening’). Its other variants also include Dutch Vastenavond, Kölsch Fastelovend, Limburgish Vastelaovend, Scots Fastens-een, and Latvian Vastlāvji, among others.
Similar traditions of the carnival ball celebrations in all countries include children dressing up in costumes and walking door-to-door collecting treats for the feast while singing the Fastelavn song through it all. The song is literally about sweet buns, specifically Lent buns, or ‘Fastelavnsboller’ as they call it, but the kids are offered candy or money as they sing. We know what you’re thinking, that sounds like a certain spooky holiday celebrated on the last day of October. Well, you’re right, some people often call Fastelavn a hybrid of Halloween and carnival. Another tradition apart from singing kids is called ‘slå katten af tønden’ (hit the cat out of the barrel). Similar to the concept of a piñata, it occurs after the church service of Shrove Sunday in Denmark.
Fastelavn timeline
Norwich students’ experience of celebrations in Paris lead to masked balls.
Kunstnerforeningen’s carnival balls play Johan Svendsen's 'Norsk Kunstner Karneval.'
Svendsen’s ‘Fest Polonaise’ performance inspires Edvard Grieg’s ‘Aus Dem Karneval.’
The grand opening of the Grand Hotel gives the carnival balls’ an ongoing venue.
Tårnseilerne hosts the annual masquerade balls after Rococo Hall burns down.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Fastelavn
Local businesses, especially bakeries and costume shops, can embrace Fastelavn by offering themed products. Bakeries can create unique Fastelavnsboller variations, while costume stores can promote carnival attire. Restaurants might offer special Nordic-inspired menus. Community centers can host barrel-hitting games or costume contests, fostering a festive atmosphere for families.
Fastelavn FAQs
When is Fastelavn?
In 2027, Fastelavn will be celebrated on Sunday, February 7, marking the beginning of the pre-Lenten carnival season. This date shifts annually, tied to the Christian liturgical calendar.
What is the tradition of 'hitting the cat out of the barrel'?
The ‘cat in the barrel’ tradition is a symbolic act, a vestige of ancient customs to ward off evil. In modern celebrations, the barrel is adorned with cat imagery and filled with sweets, making it a fun, candy-filled piñata-like activity for children across Denmark and other Nordic countries.
How many countries celebrate Fastelavn?
While the name ‘Fastelavn’ is primarily Danish, the pre-Lenten carnival tradition extends across the Nordic and Baltic regions. Millions participate in these festivities, enjoying costumes, games, and special foods as a final hurrah before the solemnity of Lent.
What is a Fastelavnsboller?
These delightful buns are a culinary highlight of Fastelavn, evolving from simple Lenten pastries to elaborate cream-filled treats. Modern versions include choux pastry or puff pastry, showcasing the creativity of bakers and the enduring popularity of this sweet tradition.
Fastelavn Activities
Hit the cat out of the barrel
Don’t worry, you don’t have to hit or harm any cat whatsoever. It’s like a piñata in the form of a wooden barrel (with the image of a cat on it), which is filled with candy.
Eat some fastelavnsbollers
These are also known as Fastelavn buns, Shrovetide buns, or Lenten buns. They are sweet round rolls with icing and filled with whipped cream. Similar buns and rolls are enjoyed in other countries like the Swedish Semla.
Attend a ball
Take part in the carnival balls, masked balls, parades, and other processions like Ash Wednesday and Pancake Tuesday. The Carnival tradition includes masks, costumes, and even opera performances!
5 Interesting Facts About Fastelavn
Lucky cat
In the 1500s, they used a live cat in the barrel, the cat wasn’t killed and was freed after.
Shrovetide rod
Or ‘fastelavnsris,’ is used by kids to wake their parents so they get the sweet treats.
Further flogging
Young adults bid good morning by play fighting and spreading ashes on each other.
The sermon
Children are taught to focus on appearances and what it means to hide behind a mask.
The boats
In the 1700s there were special boat processions on the coast with decor and music.
Why We Love Fastelavn
It’s like Halloween
With the kids going door to door in trick-or-treat style for Fastelavn, it is very close to Halloween. And we love Halloween!
It’s a ball
The Carnival balls and masquerade balls sound super fun. The processions are full of surprises too, from boats to parades!
It’s culturally rich
The entire festivity comes from a deeply rooted culture. It is no wonder the Roman Catholic population of the Northern European countries celebrate it.
Fastelavn dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 7 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 27 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 11 | Sunday |
| 2030 | March 3 | Sunday |
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