How a Once-Humble Pastry Turned Into a Nationwide Obsession

The rise of Fastelavn Boller from a simple festive treat to a must-have indulgence

A classic Fastelavn boller filled with cream and topped with chocolate. Photo by the author.

It’s February. Here in Denmark, it’s freezing, but the sun shines more often now. We are eagerly waiting for spring. Soon, the green leaves will return, flowers will bloom, and it will be all colorful around us.

But before that, there’s another festival to look forward to. In December, Christmas made the cold winter exciting, and now, in February, Fastelavn is helping us go through the last few dark, windy, and freezing days of the season.

Getting Ready for Fastelavn

Fastelavn is the Danish version of Carnival or Shrovetide. Fastelavn means fast evening and is celebrated seven weeks before Easter. Though originally a religious festival, today, it has become a celebration for children.

It’s the festival kids in Denmark look forward to the most, just like Halloween in other parts of the world. So, a few weeks ago, we went shopping and bought a costume for our son. He is super excited to dress up as an astronaut this year.

Fastelavn is a fun time for kids. They dress up, play, and, of course, eat loads of sweets. There are candies, fruits, and everyone’s favorite…