Past Events
Walpurgis, also known as Valborg (short for Valborgsmässoafton), or 'the last of April', is a traditional spring celebration in Sweden. For students, it's a foretaste of summer. At dusk, bonfires are lit, and people gather to listen to speeches and songs welcoming spring and a brighter future.
Come join us for this unique Swedish tradition, bring a treat to share and gather around the bonfire as we celebrate the glorious season that awaits.
When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 @ 6pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Moorhead
2900 5th St S, Moorhead, MN 56560
Come join us for this unique Swedish tradition, bring a treat to share and gather around the bonfire as we celebrate the glorious season that awaits.
When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 @ 6pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Moorhead
2900 5th St S, Moorhead, MN 56560
Join us to close out the Christmas season the Swedish way!
Tjugondedag Knut is the joyful farewell to Christmas in Sweden,
blending historical roots with a playful tradition of “plundering” the tree before returning to normal routines.
Join us for music, singing and dancing as we dance out the Christmas season.
Pea Soup to be served
Bring a dish to share
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026 @ 4pm
Where: Faith United Methodist Church
909 19th Ave N, Fargo ND 58102
Tjugondedag Knut is the joyful farewell to Christmas in Sweden,
blending historical roots with a playful tradition of “plundering” the tree before returning to normal routines.
Join us for music, singing and dancing as we dance out the Christmas season.
Pea Soup to be served
Bring a dish to share
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026 @ 4pm
Where: Faith United Methodist Church
909 19th Ave N, Fargo ND 58102
Read on to learn a little more about this Swedish celebration!
Tjugondedag Knut, or Saint Knut’s Day, is celebrated in Sweden and Finland on January 13 as the traditional end of the Christmas season.
On this day, people take down their Christmas trees and decorations, often with a festive gathering called julgransplundring (“Christmas tree plundering”), where children enjoy the sweets and cookies that decorated the tree.
On this day, people take down their Christmas trees and decorations, often with a festive gathering called julgransplundring (“Christmas tree plundering”), where children enjoy the sweets and cookies that decorated the tree.
- Date: January 13, exactly twenty days after Christmas Eve.
- Meaning: Marks the official close of the Christmas season in Sweden and Finland.
- Traditions:
- Taking down the Christmas tree and ornaments.
- Hosting a julgransplundring party, where families “dance Christmas out” and children eat leftover treats.
- Origins: The day is named after Prince Canute Lavard of Denmark, later associated with Canute the Saint. Though linked to Danish history, the tradition of ending Christmas on this date is uniquely Swedish and Finnish.
- Cultural Role: Since at least the 17th century, this day has been a joyful way to transition from the festive season back to everyday life.
Join us as we celebrate the St. Lucia tradition to honor our cultural heritage and share the story of Saint Lucia, a symbol of light and hope during the dark winter months. Rooted in Swedish folklore, the tradition commemorates a miraculous event during a famine when Saint Lucia appeared with food, her head crowned in light. The celebration includes a candlelit procession, music, treats & fellowship, blending faith, folklore, and festive spirit in this cherished annual celebration.
When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 4pm
Where: Faith United Methodist Church
909 19th Ave N, Fargo ND 58102
When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 4pm
Where: Faith United Methodist Church
909 19th Ave N, Fargo ND 58102
Hejsan alla!
Please join us for our annual meeting where we will be discussing this year's upcoming events and having an election for the 2025-2026 Board members.
Also, local artist, Jill Johnson will be hosting the program...Dala Horse printing!
Coffee and Swedish Cinnamon buns provided.
Looking forward to seeing you there! Vi ses!
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 @ 2 PM
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church
213 8th St S, Moorhead, MN, United States, Minnesota
Please join us for our annual meeting where we will be discussing this year's upcoming events and having an election for the 2025-2026 Board members.
Also, local artist, Jill Johnson will be hosting the program...Dala Horse printing!
Coffee and Swedish Cinnamon buns provided.
Looking forward to seeing you there! Vi ses!
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 @ 2 PM
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church
213 8th St S, Moorhead, MN, United States, Minnesota
Crayfish Party - Kräftskiva - Saturday, August 23, 2025
Join us for this fun-filled POT-LUCK celebration! Crayfish & shrimp are provided along with lemonade and Aquavit. We will eat and drink and sing!
Location: Lake Park, MN
Contact Karen for more information on location & RSVP
For info/RSVP to Karen Erickson @ 701-280-1184 or 701-367-5314 or email her @ [email protected]
Location: Lake Park, MN
Contact Karen for more information on location & RSVP
For info/RSVP to Karen Erickson @ 701-280-1184 or 701-367-5314 or email her @ [email protected]
A kräftskiva is a beloved Swedish summer tradition—a festive crayfish party typically held in August. It’s a joyful, quirky, and slightly messy celebration that blends food, drink, music, and cultural flair.
Origins & Timing
Historical roots: Originated in Sweden to mark the end of the crayfish fishing ban, which used to run from November to early August.
Modern celebration: Even though the ban was lifted in 1994, Swedes continue the tradition for fun and cultural continuity.
What Happens at a Kräftskiva?
Main dish: Boiled crayfish (kräftor), often served cold and unpeeled.
Side dishes: Bread, cheese (especially Västerbotten cheese), pies, and potatoes.
Drinks: Plenty of snaps (Swedish schnapps), often accompanied by drinking songs like “Helan går.”
Attire: Guests wear colorful paper hats and bibs, adding to the playful atmosphere.
Decor: Lanterns, moon-shaped cutouts, and long communal tables under white tents.
Quirks & Customs
Peeling crayfish: It’s a hands-on experience—expect sticky fingers and lots of napkins.
Sucking the kräftor: Swedes often suck the juices from the crayfish before eating them.
“Bajsrand” removal: Guests are advised to remove the crayfish’s intestine before eating—some learn this the hard way!
Hangover humor: The next day, Swedes jokingly blame stomach issues on crayfish rather than the snaps.
Cultural Significance
Kräftskiva is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Swedish summer, community, and tradition. It’s a way to squeeze in one last outdoor party before the long winter sets in.
Origins & Timing
Historical roots: Originated in Sweden to mark the end of the crayfish fishing ban, which used to run from November to early August.
Modern celebration: Even though the ban was lifted in 1994, Swedes continue the tradition for fun and cultural continuity.
What Happens at a Kräftskiva?
Main dish: Boiled crayfish (kräftor), often served cold and unpeeled.
Side dishes: Bread, cheese (especially Västerbotten cheese), pies, and potatoes.
Drinks: Plenty of snaps (Swedish schnapps), often accompanied by drinking songs like “Helan går.”
Attire: Guests wear colorful paper hats and bibs, adding to the playful atmosphere.
Decor: Lanterns, moon-shaped cutouts, and long communal tables under white tents.
Quirks & Customs
Peeling crayfish: It’s a hands-on experience—expect sticky fingers and lots of napkins.
Sucking the kräftor: Swedes often suck the juices from the crayfish before eating them.
“Bajsrand” removal: Guests are advised to remove the crayfish’s intestine before eating—some learn this the hard way!
Hangover humor: The next day, Swedes jokingly blame stomach issues on crayfish rather than the snaps.
Cultural Significance
Kräftskiva is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Swedish summer, community, and tradition. It’s a way to squeeze in one last outdoor party before the long winter sets in.
