Fastelavn fejres i kirken med en fastelavnsgudstjeneste og -fest sammen med ICC - International Christian Community, som også har til huse i Kingos Kirke. Den fælles gudstjeneste og fest har været en tradition i kirken de sidste par år, og det har været lige festligt og mangfoldigt hvert gang. 

Så det er med stor glæde at vi endnu engang inviterer til fælles fejring af denne dag. Gudstjenesten vil vare omkring 40 minutter, hvorefter der vil være tøndeslagning med ”vinder-kroning”, slikposer og fastelavnsboller til alle. 

Man må selvfølgelig meget gerne komme udklædt, da der bl.a. vil være parade til gudstjenesten med alle udklædte børn såvel som voksne.

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Vores kollegaer ved Folkekirken for Internationals har lavet et godt skriv om Fastelavn til udlændinge og andre, der kunne have brug for at få opfrisket, hvad Fastelavn handler om:

Why beat a barrel?

Fastelavn is a beloved tradition in Denmark, a joyful feast that marks the start of the period leading up to Easter – the 40 days of Lent. For many, it’s a time for children to dress up, enjoy fun activities and delicious treats. However, the tradition has deeper historical and religious roots that stretch back centuries.

Historically, Fastelavn was a pre-Lenten celebration, a way for people to indulge in food, drink, and merrymaking before the 40-day fast. The term “Fastelavn” comes from the Low German word vaste lavent (or fastelabend), meaning the evening before fasting. Similarly, the word "carnival" comes from Latin carne vale, which means "farewell to meat," as people prepared for the restrictions of Lent.

One of the most iconic traditions is the "slå katten af tønden" (hitting the cat out of the barrel), a game where children try to break open a barrel filled with candy. The tradition dates back to earlier centuries when adults would participate in the same activity, but with a living black cat inside, symbolizing evil forces they wanted to drive away. Thankfully, today, the "cat" is made of paper, and the barrel holds only sweets!

Fastelavn is also a time for dressing up. While today’s costumes are filled with superheroes, knights, and princesses, historically, costumes were meant to frighten away evil spirits. People would dress up as bears, devils, or other scary figures, and engage in lively celebrations.

After Fastelavn, the season transitions into Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, a time for reflection and penitence. The religious aspect of this period invites individuals to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Easter.

So, whether you're enjoying a Fastelavn celebration with your kids, indulging in a sweet bun, or taking part in one of the many festive traditions, there’s a rich history and religious meaning behind this fun-filled occasion. As an expat in Denmark, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience both the lighthearted and spiritual aspects of Danish culture. Join in the fun and celebrate Fastelavn!