Barrel bonfire by helstor365

Barrel bonfire

Ever since the 1700s, midsummer has been celebrated with a bonfire in this place. It is unknown when the tradition of making the bonfire with barrels (that had been used to transport herring) started but there are records of one in 1908.

Today it is impossible to source used barrels so now they are purposely built for the bonfire.

This place also holds the world record for the tallest midsummer bonfire ever built; it was 30 meters high. Today, because of health and safety regulations it can not be taller than 20 meters.

When the bonfire is lit, a person climbs all the way to the top to light it (and then quickly goes back down again :-)
Wow. This must be a sight when it’s aflame.
June 23rd, 2024  
Next decade, for health and safety regulations, thanks to AI and technology, it will be a hologram :)
I bet it is a sight to see, alight or not.
Has there been any incident, or are people simply overthinking risks?
June 23rd, 2024  
Wonderful capture and info, it must be so special to see.
June 23rd, 2024  
Nice how you included the church for scale. Fascinating tradition.
June 23rd, 2024  
Wow - what a story! What a bonfire! Your image gives us such a good sense of scale..
June 23rd, 2024  
wow that would be one big flame!
June 23rd, 2024  
That must be quite the sight
June 24th, 2024  
Impressive!
June 24th, 2024  
Wow, that is very intriguing! I'd love to see it lit up! Whoever lights it must be very good at scampering! Ha ha!
June 24th, 2024  
A totally unique way of creating a bonfire! I love the customs of different countries. Are the barrels filled with a type of flammable liquid?
June 24th, 2024  
An interesting but community-forming custom! I like it!
June 24th, 2024  
@monikozi There has been an instance where sparks flew and a house caught on fire. There are fire and rescue services on location now so there hasn't been any problems for years.

@cocokinetic No, the barrels are empty. Earlier when they used barrels that had contained herring I suspect the smoke and the smell was a lot stronger :-)
June 25th, 2024  
so interesting
June 25th, 2024  
Fascinating structure
June 26th, 2024  
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