Festivals

Grundlovs Fest -

Velkommen (“Welcome”) to Dannebrog, the Danish Capital of Nebraska.

Each June, this Nebraska town (named for the Danish flag), hosts a weekend celebration honoring its heritage. For two days the citizens of Dannebrog commemorate the anniversary of the signing of Denmark’s Free Constitution in 1849 by King Frederik VII. The word, “Grundlov” is from a Danish term meaning “foundation”.

Sample flyer - Click to enlarge

The first Grundlovs Fest was held in 1988. The celebration has evolved to include a number of events each year. It opens with a parade of bands and floats through the center of town. Other happenings include a nature walk, a melodrama and performances by musical groups.

Throughout the weekend, visitors sample delicious treats such as world-famous Danish pastries. Children enjoy the games and pony rides, while others stroll through town to visit the craft fair and antique/classic auto show. Additional activities include bingo, ball tournaments, muzzle loader rendezvous and high school reunions.

Dannebrog residents encourage visitors from around the state, country and world to attend the Grundlovsfest each year. The town’s quaint population size of 350 swells to over 1,000 during this special weekend.

Annual Old-fashioned Danish Christmas -

The smell of delicious foods and sounds of music and laughter will fill the air at Dannebrog’s Annual Old-Fashioned Danish Christmas.

From a small Christmas Tree Fantasy in 1990, this celebration has grown each year. The event also has been highlighted as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 1995 by the American Bus Association and North American Motorcoach Industry. Dannebrog’s celebration is a rich, sensorial reminder of the Danish heritage.

Sample Flyer - Click to enlarge

Activities have included: costumed dancers, demonstrations, Winter Wonderland, Christmas Tree Fantasy, Old Father Christmas, crafters, artists, Christmas walk, holiday buffet, Danish pastries, Danish ornament cut-outs and decorating the tree for dancing and singing, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Santa’s elves, carolers, an outdoor living nativity scene, music, Danish memories from the past, the Christmas story, parade of homes, and an Advent candlelight service.