Why do the Danes beat a wooden barrel in a church, dressed up as a princess?

Fastelavn is one of the most fun and colorful Danish traditions, and we would love to invite all expats and their families to celebrate this feast with us! As Lent begins children dress up and families gather to participate in the Fastelavn celebrations, which is done by beating the evil out of a wooden barrel, enjoying sweets and buns and gathering with our community.

This year Fastelavn is on Sunday, March 2, where you and your children can take part in the classic "slå katten af tønden" – hit the cat out of the barrel – a fun and exciting activity that children love!

Join us at the Church in Ørestad at 2:00 PM to hit the cat out of the barrel, be crowned as the cat king or queen, and enjoy delicious fastelavnsboller (Danish fastelavn buns). It’s a great opportunity to learn about Danish traditions and create lasting memories with your family.

Bring your costumed children and experience this fun-filled celebration with music, excitement, and cozy Danish hygge. We look forward to spending time together!

WHY BEAT A BARREL?
Fastelavn is a beloved tradition in Denmark, a joyful feast that marks the start of the period leading up to Easter – the 40 days of Lent. For many, it’s a time for children to dress up, enjoy fun activities and delicious treats. However, the tradition has deeper historical and religious roots that stretch back centuries.

Historically, Fastelavn was a pre-Lenten celebration, a way for people to indulge in food, drink, and merrymaking before the 40-day fast. The term “Fastelavn” comes from the Low German word vaste lavent (or fastelabend), meaning the evening before fasting. Similarly, the word "carnival" comes from Latin carne vale, which means "farewell to meat," as people prepared for the restrictions of Lent.

One of the most iconic traditions is the "slå katten af tønden" (hitting the cat out of the barrel), a game where children try to break open a barrel filled with candy. The tradition dates back to earlier centuries when adults would participate in the same activity, but with a living black cat inside, symbolizing evil forces they wanted to drive away. Thankfully, today, the "cat" is made of paper, and the barrel holds only sweets!

Fastelavn is also a time for dressing up. While today’s costumes are filled with superheroes, knights, and princesses, historically, costumes were meant to frighten away evil spirits. People would dress up as bears, devils, or other scary figures, and engage in lively celebrations.

After Fastelavn, the season transitions into Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, a time for reflection and penitence. The religious aspect of this period invites individuals to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Easter.

So, whether you're enjoying a Fastelavn celebration with your kids, indulging in a sweet bun, or taking part in one of the many festive traditions, there’s a rich history and religious meaning behind this fun-filled occasion. As an expat in Denmark, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience both the lighthearted and spiritual aspects of Danish culture. Join in the fun and celebrate Fastelavn!