143 | What Is Fastelavn? Denmark’s Weirdest Winter Tradition

2026-02-03

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If you’re in Denmark in February, you’ll probably notice children in costumes, wooden barrels being hit with bats, and an alarming number of cream-filled buns in every bakery window. That’s Fastelavn, one of Denmark’s most beloved and confusing traditions.In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke break down what Fastelavn actually is, where it comes from, and what you should expect as an international living in Denmark. From its roots as the Northern European version of Carnival, to historic Fastelavn processions, childre...

In this episode of What Are You Doing in Denmark, Derek and Brooke break down what Fastelavn actually is, where it comes from, and what you should expect as an international living in Denmark. From its roots as the Northern European version of Carnival, to historic Fastelavn processions, children singing for treats, and the very strange tradition of “hitting the cat out of the barrel,” we explain how this holiday evolved and why it still matters today.

We also talk about Fastelavn songs, costumes, and most importantly fastelavnsboller, the cream-filled buns that quietly turn February into Denmark’s sweetest month.

Whether you’re new to Denmark or just wondering why everyone suddenly cares so much about pastries, this episode will help Fastelavn make a little more sense.

Derek Hartman:

https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk

https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting

https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk

www.facebook.com/robetrotting

Brooke Black:

https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust

https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust

Referenced:

Check out Ilana Buhl for fastelavnsboller content

https://www.instagram.com/the_lykke_charm

https://www.tiktok.com/@the_lykke_charm