In Sweden something called Walpurgis Night is celebrated on the evening of April 30. Bonfires are lit to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Historically it was to scare away the witches and celebrate the arrival of Spring at the same time. Each town and city has at least one big bonfire and it's also a good way to get rid of junk.

People gather by the light and heat of the fire to listen to traditional spring songs and choral singing. Especially in the universities the traditions celebrating Walpurgis Night is strong and include choral singing, speeches and wearing white-topped graduation caps.

The feast of St. Walburga was originally a German custom. Walburga was an abbess in Germany in the 8th century. Lighting bonfires, especially in the eastern parts of Sweden is an ancient custom. It was done to scare off predators before the cattle and sheep were let out to graze and also to protect people against the witches.