Like the site of the famous Jelling Stone, home to a church since the 11th century, Saint Hans’ften is a relic of Denmark’s unique mixed pagan and Christian past.
A short story
First, as a celebration of the summer solstice, people gathered at sacred springs, draped the reeds over their doorways and gathered herbs to ward off evil spirits and ensure a successful harvest season.
Later, missionaries and priests interpreted the ancient customs to serve Christianity, and the festivities were linked to the feast of John the Baptist, which is celebrated the following day.
Today, the festivities on June 23 have for most less to do with religion, and more to do with tradition, heritage and… yes… fun. Despite the centuries that have passed, however, a few things have remained the same: song, drink, and fire.
Where to go to celebrate?
As it is one of the longest days of the year, the celebration will begin long before dusk has fallen. And despite it falling on a Thursday, the party will continue until well into the evening.
Bonfires will be lit, beer cans will be set up, and both friends and strangers will offer a toast toast for the coming evening.
In Copenhagen, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in the fun. Here are some of the best places to celebrate Saint Hans Evening this year.
Islands Brygge
June 23 at 17.00-23.00; Kulturhuset, Islands Brygge 18, Cph S; free adm
Welcome the summer with entertainment for the whole family, including speeches, live music, children’s theater and a giant St. Hans bonfire. Bryggens Spisehus will light up the grill and serve adults for 165 kroner and children for 40 kroner. Yemi Valdes Latin Band, Telescope For The Blind and Tuhaf perform.
Ofelia Plads
June 23 from kl. 19:00; Kvæsthusbroen, Cph K; free adm
Copenhageners who celebrate the shortest evening of the year here will enjoy lectures and music under the theme ‘Tribute to the Witch’. Astrologer, podcast host and magician Annasophia Petri will moderate a series of panel debates, and podcast hosts Klavs Bundgaard and Allan Sindberg will give this year’s speech before lighting the floating bonfire. Afterwards, the singer Oh Land performs in collaboration with strings from the Royal Chapel.
Blågårdsplads
June 23, 15: 00-21: 30, Blågårds Plads, Cph N; free adm
Play table tennis, join a dance-off and enjoy some Jamaican barbecue at this midsummer party. The bonfire is lit at 20:00, followed by a performance by the Danish singer-songwriter, composer and guitarist Bo Evers. Finally, the Juggling Club Mind Your Head will hold a show before the fire is extinguished at. 21:30.
Frederiksberg Have
June 23, 4:45 pm-23pm; Frederiksberg Have; free adm
The festivities in Frederiksberg Garden on Thursday mark that it is 60 years since the celebration began in this famous Copenhagen green area. This year, the Danish pop rock band Love Shop holds a concert, and astronomer Anja Cetti Andersen gives the bonfire speech.
Tivoli
June 23 from kl. 20:00; Tivoli, Vesterbrogade 3, Cph V; ordinary adm fee
With speeches from Mayor Jacob Bundsgaard and musical entertainment from the Hardinger Band, this evening in Tivoli will honor Saint Hans Evening with games of midsummer songs and lighting a bonfire.
LGBT Midsummer party on Amager Strand
June 23 at 17.00-23.00; Øresundsstien, Amager Strandpark, Cph S; free adm
Sankt Hans Aften coincides with the anniversary of the founding of LGBT + Denmark, and every year both are celebrated at this event: a big beach party with speeches, performances and – for the first 50 people who arrive – cake! This year, the secretary of LGBT + Denmark, Susanne Branner, and the activist Hinda Olad will give the speeches, the Sensitive Front will be responsible for the music, and Drag Queen Mizz Privileze will kick off the fun.
Bakken
June 23 from kl. 18.00; Kildesøen, Bakken, Dyrehavsbakken, Dyrehavevej 62, Klampenborg; free adm; bakken.dk
Celebrate one of Denmark’s oldest traditions in the world’s oldest amusement park, where you will find entertainment, exciting speeches, bonfires (of course) and – to end the evening – a laser show. If you want to get there early, you can enjoy Bakken’s dozens of rides and dine at one of its many restaurants.
Reffen
June 23 from kl. 17.00; Reffen, Refshalevej 167, Cph K; free adm
Visit this street food paradise for a delicious bite to eat, and then find a place overlooking the harbor where the fire is lit at. 20:45. In addition to traditional midsummer songs, DJ’s Rasmus Shack & Boogie Rookie (Hi Leif) provide the entertainment.
Grønningen
June 23 from kl. 17.00; Grønningen, Cph K; free adm
This family-friendly celebration begins with a treasure hunt for the kids, followed by a concert with Nanna & Peder and a speech by Peter Hybschmann from Tietgen College. In addition to a larger central bonfire, three smaller bonfires will be set in the air on the canal.
Sea side Tolboden
June 23 from 4:00 p.m .; Seaside Tolboden, Nordre Toldbod 18-24, Cph K; seasidecph.dk
If you prefer something more exclusive, book a table at Seaside Tolboden, where you will be able to enjoy delicious seafood and an extensive selection of domestic and imported wines. DJs provide the music, and from kl. 21.00 you can enjoy the sound of a crackling bonfire being lit on the quay.
Source: The Nordic Page