In spring we celebrate Easter, but before Easter there is the “arrival” of the Semla, the traditional cream-filled, almond-flavored, cardamom-scented buns.
Fettisdagen – “Fat Tuesday”
Swedes have been gobbling up these sweet buns since the 16th century when they were served on Shrove Tuesday or “Fat Tuesday” (Fettisdagen in Swedish). It was a last treat before the beginning of Lent (40 days of fasting).
Now you’ll find the semla at Swedish bakeries from late December until Easter – sometimes even earlier. You can also buy them at grocery stores.
Semla is singular. The plural is semlor.
Nothing tastes better with a cup of Swedish coffee!
Other names for Fettisdagen
The Fettisdagen has many names in Sweden. The day is even called:
- semmeldagen
- semlans dag
- fastlagstisdagen
- den vita tisdagen
It is always a Tuesday. In 2022, it will be on March 1 (2023: February 21; 2024: February 13).
More info
www.visitstockholm.com/guides/fat-tuesday/
Source: VisitSweden US; photo: Matton Collection/Johnér Bildbyrå/Stockholmsmässan
