Fastelavn (Danish Mardis Gras - February)

We celebrate Fastelavn with snacks to share, hot chocolate, sweet boller rolls, dancing, and traditional games for children and adults.

As with all Fastelavn celebrations, there is a costume contest - Danes take their costumes very seriously! Folks get really creative - come and show off your favorite costume.

Fastelavn will be held on Saturday 01 March 2025 in the Auditorium at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. Unlike in 2021 and 2022 when we had to have a socially-distanced goodie-bag delivery and Golden Ticket lottery, we will meet in person ‘as per usual’ in 2025.

Fastelavn bøller ready for eating!

Fastelavn bøller ready for eating!

We serve these traditional sweet cardamom rolls at our Fastelavn party, along with other goodies such as home-made hot chocolate and cookies.

The traditional barrel

The traditional barrel

One of the contests at Fastelavn consists of kids taking whacks at a paper barrel filled with candy goodies and a toy black cat. Releasing the stuffed animal from the barrel symbolizes banishing bad luck for the upcoming year. (Real cats are no longer used!)

Creative costumes, an evening highlight

Creative costumes, an evening highlight

Part of Danish tradition includes a little cos-play during Fastelavn get-togethers. Both kids and adults participate. We’ve even had Tyrannosaurus at our parties!