Sankthansaften

Sankthansaften (Saint John's Eve, or Midsummer in Sweden) in Denmark is a mix between the Sankt Hans celebrations (commemorating John the Baptist) and the summer Solstice. Bonfires and celebrations can be found almost everywhere in Denmark. They are usually arranged by city or town councils, churches, sports clubs or other local institutions. Most are free to attend, have music and speeches, and you can buy food and drinks or bring your own.

I was planning on going to the largest bonfire in Fyn that takes place in the meadow of Fruens Bøge (pictured above). Unfortunately it was was canceled at the last moment. Instead of getting to watch the traditional witch effigy burn, a bunch of internationals and I had dinner then roamed the harbor and churches to see many small bonfires.

Boat Ride and Dinner

I was able to meet up with several internationals to go on a scenic 30 minute boat ride to Fruens Bøge (a lovely forest and park, that Danes have been enjoying since the early 19th century).

We then had dinner at  Carlslund, a traditional restaurant that was built in 1871 (and then rebuilt after a 2015 fire). 

Even though traditional Danish cuisine tends not to be vegan, I was able to easily modify the vegetarian special of the day (rødbedebøffen or red beet steak) to be completely plant based. It was delicious!

Romeo og Julie

The Odense Theater put on a beautiful rendition of Romeo and Juliet at the King's Garden (Kongens Have). They updated the play be making it a musical set in a 1946 mafia-plagued Verona, Italy.

Photo by Emiliea Therese