Walpurgis Night: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Walpurgis Night (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Walpurgis Night is observed on April 30th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Walpurgis Night, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you ought to know about Walpurgis Night.

📅 What day is Walpurgis Night 2024?

In 2024, Walpurgis Night is on Sunday, April 30th. It is the 5th Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the fun details and facts about April 30, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On April 30th, countries in Northern and Eastern Europe, such as Sweden and the Czech Republic, celebrate St. Walpurga’s Mass or Walpurgis Night. This event is also known as “Walpurgisnacht” in German-speaking countries. In Sweden, it is called “Valborg,” and in the Czech Republic, it is referred to as “arodejnice.” Walpurgis Night is often compared to Halloween and is sometimes called “the other Halloween.” One of the traditional rituals on this night is the burning of a witch effigy on a bonfire. In Sweden, this is known as their bonfire night, which originally aimed to ward off evil spirits but has now become a fun way to dispose of yard waste.

📜 Walpurgis Night History

April 30th is known as the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. This day is significant in Celtic tradition as it marks the celebration of Beltane, which signifies the transition from winter to summer. In Germanic legend, April 30th is referred to as Witches’ Night, where it was believed that witches would fly through the sky and gather on Brocken Mountain. To ward off these witches and evil spirits, locals would light bonfires and make loud noises. Additionally, this day is also associated with St. Walpurga, who brought Christianity to the region and is sought for protection from magic. Furthermore, April 30th also marked the end of the administrative year in the Middle Ages, providing a reason for people to relax and celebrate around a bonfire with mead.

✅ Walpurgis Night Facts

🔖 Christian and pagan customs mix
During Walpurgis Night, individuals pay tribute to St. Walpurga by combining ancient Celtic and Germanic traditions with Christian practices.

🔖 Strongly rooted in the Beltane Festival
Modern celebrations have their origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Beltane, which was centered around the idea of rejuvenation and renewal.

🔖 It’s called “the second Halloween”
Neo-Pagans refer to this ceremony as “the second Halloween” due to its striking resemblance to Samhain, which falls on October 31st and involves the lighting of bonfires.

👍 Why Is Walpurgis Night Important

It allows you to tidy your home and revitalize your soul. Take your time and include some magical cleaning rituals into your routine.

Many people hang sanctified sprigs of greenery from their houses or barns to keep off evil spirits. Others leave slices of bread that have been brushed with butter and honey.

After testing our patience, the first bright colors of changing nature emerge as spring arrives. Longer days appear to lighten our routines and thoughts.

🙂 How To Observe Walpurgis Night

⚡ Hang spring flowers

⚡ Light up a bonfire
Not having a bonfire during Walpurgisnacht is like celebrating Christmas without a tree. For many centuries, it has been a tradition to light large fires on the highest hill in town to ward off spirits from the spiritual realm.

⚡ Drink to your heart’s content
Walpurgis Night, like Christmas, is marked by the addition of greenery to rooms. Instead of evergreens, we’re talking about the spring foliage that’s blooming now: flowers, bushes, and-if possible-oak boughs.

📅 When is Walpurgis Night?

View all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Festivities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Walpurgis Night. So be sure to check back soon.