Shrovetide parties on Langeland
Celebrate the Danish tradition on Langeland with barrel battles, fancy dress and "fastelav buns" - a party for young and old!
Shrovetide (fastelavn) in Denmark has its roots in Catholic times, when it marked the start of 40 days of fasting before Easter. The name ‘Fastelavn’ comes from the German ‘fastelabend’, which means ‘fasting evening’. Before Lent began, people ate well and feasted for several days.
On Langeland and Strynø, Shrovetide is still celebrated with joy and tradition. Children dress up and play ‘the cat out of the barrel’, an old tradition from the 16th century that today is all about community and fun. The fancy dress, barrel smashing and carnival buns create a festive atmosphere that brings the community together and keeps traditions alive.
Shrovetide celebrations with barrel smashing on Langeland and Strynø:
Rudkøbing Church – Shrove Sunday service and barrel beating
Come dressed up for a short service with stories and songs. Sunday 15 February at 2–5 p.m. in Rudkøbing Church
Longelse Community Centre – Shrove Tuesday service and Shrove Tuesday party
Sunday 15 February at 2-5 p.m. at Longelse Community Centre. Come dressed up for the Shrove Tuesday party with barrel beating and fun competitions. Maybe you will be this year's cat king or queen? The children will each receive a free bag of sweets. Soft drinks, beer, coffee/tea, Shrove Tuesday buns and sausages with bread will be available for purchase. Register with Mikael Petersen on mobile 20 47 39 09. We will start with a Shrove Tuesday service in Longelse Church at 13:00.
Restaurant Marina's – Shrove Tuesday party with barrel beating
Beat the cat off the barrel at Restaurant Marina's in Lohals on Sunday 15 February at 1 p.m. Free Shrove Tuesday twigs for all children. Coronation of the Cat Queen and Cat King. Shrove Tuesday buns and coffee will be available for purchase.
Bagenkop Hall – Shrove Tuesday in Bagenkop
Sunday, 15 February, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Location: Bagenkop Hall, Stationsvej 6a
There will be music with traditional singing games and dancing. Prizes for the best-dressed children – barrel knocking for both children and adults. Admission: DKK 20 for children in costume – DKK 30 for children not in costume and DKK 40 for adults. The admission ticket includes coffee + 1 Shrove Tuesday bun for adults and soda and 1 Shrove Tuesday bun for children. Registration: Brian Grabentinn, tel. 24 81 58 62
Gymnastics Association G.U.S - Shrove Tuesday party in Humblehallen
Sunday, 15 February, 12:00-14:00. Prizes for the best costumes. Coffee and pastries for the adults. Goodie bags for the children. Admission: 40 kr. per person.
The list is updated regularly.
Buy fastelavnsboller at the bakeries on Langeland
Shrovetide buns are an inevitable part of Shrovetide traditions and on Langeland you can find delicious flavours at local bakeries. These sweet treats are rooted in ancient traditions, where people enjoyed the best they could afford before Lent.
Today's Shrovetide buns come in many versions: classic yeast dough buns with cream, pastry buns filled with whipped cream, or perhaps something completely unique from your local baker. Stop by one of the island's bakeries and treat yourself or your family to freshly baked Shrovetide buns.