The ambient bonfire

In Denmark the midsummer solstitial celebration is called Sankt Hans aften ("St. John's Eve"). It takes place on the evening of June 23. It has been celebrated since the times of the Vikings and of Odin and Thor, by visiting healing water sources and making a large bonfire to ward away evil spirits. Today the water source tradition is gone. Bonfires on the beach, speeches, picnics and songs are traditional, although bonfires are built in many other places where beaches may not be close by. Holger Drachmann wrote a beautiful midsummer hymn in 1885 called "Vi elsker vort land" that is sung at every bonfire on this evening.

On a pleasant midsummer evening on Amager beach, Sam Renseiw enjoyed the ambient chill out DJ'ing after the bonfire. Enjoy a short panoramic view by clicking here, or touch the balloons above. (patafilm # 203, 01'30'', 6.3 MB, Quicktime/mov - Flash version here)