Fastelavn

The Sunday before Ash Wednesday is Fastelavn, a holiday formerly related pre-Lent celebrations, but after becoming a Protestant country Denmark turned it into a non-religious holiday.  Several people told us it is like Denmark's Halloween.

At school the younger children come dressed in costume.  In A.'s class there were two cheerleaders, several devils, Spiderwomen, and one kid came dressed up as a member of the Mafia, authentic sounding machine gun included.  Our neighbor's sons are teenagers, but they still have some great costume pieces, which A. was happy to wear.

a barrel in the school's hall

The original tradition was to put a black cat in a barrel and strike it until the cat was knocked out.  Barrels made of plywood are sold in the stores, along with lots of candy, which long ago replaced the cat.  Anyone in costume may take a turn striking the barrel and the first one break it open becomes the Queen of Cats and the person who knocks the last piece of candy out is the King of Cats.  The classes gathered in their rooms and then went to the main hall where about a dozen barrels were hanging.  There was singing and then the kids got to take a whack and were rewarded with a chocolate coin.  On Saturday several cities hosted similar events and on Sunday many families or neighbors get together for one more round.

another barrel

The only traditional food is fastelavnsboller, which are sweet rolls, sometimes filled with cream.   May all new holidays be so delicious.