Valborg

Valborg is a pagan tradition in Sweden since the 18th century and is celebrated in the last of April.
It originates in a story of a daughter of an english king who became the saint of fertility, after being an important figure in the German church.
Since then, and probably by german influence, swedes light up big fires to celebrate this religious figure in a pagan way, the most famous being the student parties in Uppsala (which began in the 19th century) and in the north of Sweden, with the intention of scaring the wolves away.
Today, Uppsala detains the privilege of having the most "genuine" Valborg, due to the events organized by the student nations (republics).
In Stockholm, the fires were lit at Skansen (http://www.skansen.se/) - a park where you can see typical houses and wild life from Sweden- and a bit spread around the city. The fire at Skansen is usually the biggest and is seen from many points of the city.

I had a good time yesterday at Goncalo and Anna's place, together with Vasco, Levi, Anette and some other friends of Anna. Couldn't make it on time to see the fire where they live, but I have experienced Uppsala and Skansen before. I reccomend Uppsala, it was great fun last year!!