Carnival

“Fastelavn” is an old North European carnival tradition, bringing families and friends together for a fun day filled with cosy activities, sweet treats, and laughter.

The tradition is similar to Halloween and carnivals, and it dates back to the 1500s, where originally, adults dressed in costumes and visited the residents of the town. In Denmark today, Søstrene Grene’s home country, it is mostly a children’s holiday where the dear little ones dress up in fun costumes and go door to door and sing short songs and receive treats in return – reminiscent to treat or treating. Other traditions include a piñata-esque game using a barrel filled with candy and the sweet pastry, “fastelavnsbolle”, which traditionally is a bun filled with cream or custard.

“Fastelavn” is a cherished tradition in the sisters' home. Each year, the nephew and nieces dress in whimsical and homemade costumes for the “Fastelavn” celebrations of the year. Together, the family gathers for a lovely afternoon filled with sweet buns and fun party games.

The day before, the sisters began the preparations with the nephew and nieces. Together, they created beautiful and creative “Fastelavn” branches, which are decorative branches created by children for the carnival. Each branch is adorned with everything from tissue paper to pipe cleaners, shaped into fun bows, butterflies, and other figures. Among the decorations hang pieces of candy, eagerly awaited by the peckish and excited children. "Such a fun and cosy tradition," Anna believes.

Anna and Clara have prepared activities for the whole family. "Naturally, we will play a game of hit the barrel," Anna tells the nephew and nieces as she presents the barrel. "I wonder who will make all of the sweets fall out," she says with a twinkle in her eye. The nephew and nieces will take turns trying to break open the barrel to release the treats, and perhaps even Anna and Clara will give it a try as well?

Princesses and pirates fill the streets, while melodious songs are sung at the doors. The nephew sings the loudest as Anna and Clara open the door. The splendid hot air balloon pilot costume, which the nephew is wearing, was put together by Anna the past weekend. "You look wonderful, indeed," she chuckles, handing the nephew a piece of candy. "Ready for adventure."

At Søstrene Grene, you can find a wealth of inspiration for costumes and dress-up for this year's carnival party. You can find tulle skirts, crowns, masks, hats, and much more. "Mix and match to create a unique costume," Clara suggests. "Or personalise the outfit with creative tools," Anna continues.

Anna and Clara themselves are wearing homemade and colourful masks as they welcome the town's children. Follow the sisters' lead and create your own homemade masks for both children and adults. In Anna and Clara's extensive DIY universe, you can find inspiration for a variety of different masks:

• Dress-up masks with beads and glitter
• Festive and colourful masks in paper
• Bat masks with beads

The sisters have carefully assembled a large selection of creative tools and craft items. Here, you can find everything you need to create beautiful and personal masks and costumes for this year's carnival party. You can find stickers, beads, yarn, paint, decorations, cardboard, and paper, and much more. "Something for everyone," Anna says with a smile.

Anna and Clara are busy with cosy preparations before the “Fastelavn” party begins, and the living room is carefully decorated with colourful and homemade decorations. Anna has spent the afternoons cutting out cute cat hangings, fun pipe cleaner hangings with feathers, and branches with tissue paper and candy, so the living room can look wonderful for the sisters’ guests.

Clara is in the kitchen preparing sweet treats and snacks for the nephew and nieces. On the table, she has filled plates and bowls with the traditional “Fastelavn” buns, Rocky Road, delicious vegetable buns, and cookies with vanilla and lemon. As the finishing touch, Clara has prepared a lovely cat cake with vanilla cake and chocolate cream. For the adults, Clara has brewed pots of both coffee and tea, filling the room with the most wonderful scent.

"Come here, sweet little ones," Anna calls. "It is time to play ‘hit the barrel’." In the garden, the barrel hangs filled with sweets, and it has been painted by the nephew with whimsical brushes of colour. The sound of the candy rattling around in the barrel is drowned out by laughter as the bat is swung. "Who will become the 'cat king'?" Clara chuckles, while holding up the homemade felt crown for the winner.

The sisters find great importance and joy in celebrating life's big and small events. "Every gathering is an opportunity for cosiness with those you hold dear," Anna believes. "A wonderful occasion to come together," Clara chuckles.

The sisters enjoy celebrating all the cosy holidays, whether it is an Easter party, a “Fastelavn” party, or the grand Christmas dinner. "Each holiday brings old and new traditions," Anna believes. "There is always something to look forward to," Clara adds.

Let yourself be inspired by Anna and Clara and find inspiration for life's parties at Søstrene Grene. Whether you are going to a wedding, a christening, a baby shower, a birthday, or something completely different, you can find a wealth of inspiration for decoration, cooking, creative projects, and gifts.

You can also find all you need in the sisters' extensive selection of party decorations, tableware, craft items, and much more. Find your nearest Søstrene Grene store or explore the sisters' extensive online selection of inspiration for life's events and celebrations. "There is something for every occasion," Anna says with a smile.