Shrovetide and Winter Holiday Fun

12 February 2026 from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

On Thursday 12 February, Shrovetide is celebrated at the Open-Air Museum Herning for the whole family.

Here, you can decorate Shrovetide birch branches, make masks, hit the barrel and learn about Shrovetide in the old days. There will also be plenty of opportunity to step inside the Open-Air Museum’s historic houses or visit Jens Nielsen’s farm.

Shrovetide is a tradition with roots dating back to the time before the Reformation. In the Catholic era, Shrovetide marked the beginning of the 40-day fasting period. In addition to enjoying all the food that would soon be forbidden, Shrovetide was also a time when the world was turned upside down and ordinary norms did not apply.

At 11.00 am, we will hit the barrel and crown this year’s Cat King and Cat Queen. Until the late 1800s, barrel beating with a live cat could be experienced. On this day, however, the barrel will be filled with treats only. You are of course welcome to come in costume.

Admission is free for the whole family.