Valborg–Walpurgis Night: Singing by firelight.
The evening of April 30 - when almost every singer, and everyone else, in Sweden makes his or her voice heard.

Bonfires are lit, on beaches, on hilltops, in parks and on private properties and when the crackling of the fire is at its height, a number of people, often men, step forward, many of them wearing peaked caps with white tops (resembling the high school graduates caps). The group proceeds to sing a number of songs, usually the same every year and all over the country and maintain that the evening marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

The singing becomes even more organized on May First, "Första Maj" when student and men's choirs gather on university steps and in parks all over the country. Events you don't want to miss right now: Film festivals, Strindberg, Raoul Wallenberg and bonfires..

There's an American organization of Swedish singers, read more here; www.nordstjernan.com/news/organizations/915/ or visit the organization's website www.auss.org

Last year's celebration in Oregon: Valborg - Vappu Night and in Michigan: Valborg in Michigan and, to find a celebration near you, see Nordstjernan Events Calendar

The day after, May First, is the only non-religious holiday in Sweden.