About Walpurgis Night (Valborg)
Walpurgis Night falls on the evening of April 30, the eve of May 1, and takes its name from Saint Walburga, an eighth-century abbess canonised on that date. Across Northern and Central Europe it marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter's darkness. In Sweden it is known as Valborg, one of the most-loved dates in the calendar, while in Germanic folklore the same night is Hexennacht — the night witches were said to gather on the Brocken peak in the Harz mountains.
In Sweden, Valborg is celebrated with enormous public bonfires, fireworks and the singing of traditional spring songs, often by student and male-voice choirs; the university cities of Uppsala and Lund hold especially boisterous student festivities. In Germany and parts of Central Europe, revellers light bonfires, dress in witch and devil costumes, play pranks and make noise to ward off evil spirits, while the Czech Republic burns symbolic witches atop blazing pyres.
Walpurgis Night is observed on April 30 every year, the night before May Day. Because it always lands on the same date, the live counter above simply counts down to the next April 30. Add Walpurgis Night to your own countdown page to track the days until the bonfires are lit and spring is welcomed in.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Friday, April 30, 2027next |
| 2028 | Sunday, April 30, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, April 30, 2029 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, April 30, 2030 |
| 2031 | Wednesday, April 30, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Walpurgis Night?
Walpurgis Night is on the evening of April 30 every year, the eve of May Day on May 1. The countdown above shows the time remaining until the next one.
Why is Walpurgis Night celebrated?
It welcomes the arrival of spring and is named after Saint Walburga; in folklore it is also the night witches were said to gather, blending Christian and older pagan traditions.
How is Walpurgis Night celebrated?
In Sweden with large bonfires, fireworks and choral spring songs; in Germany and Central Europe with costumes, bonfires and noise-making to drive away evil spirits.
What is Valborg?
Valborg is the Swedish name for Walpurgis Night, marked nationwide with bonfires and singing, and especially lively student celebrations in Uppsala and Lund.