Similar to Halloween in other western countries, Walpurgis Night (also called Valborg) is a festival historically associated with witches and goblins, along with a more modern reputation as a celebration of spring. Huge bonfires are erected throughout Sweden; however Uppsala has the biggest party, when students at Uppsala University construct humorously-decorated rafts to ride through town on the Fyris River, and hold Champagne Races. Others celebrate the holiday more sedately, with strawberry and champagne picnics or barbecues in the parks. Though it is not an official public holiday, many people are given at least half the day off.

Date: 30 April 2013