Hundreds of people flocked to downtown Solvang on Saturday to enjoy the 74th annual Danish Days celebration, one of the oldest ethnic festivals in California. The festivities began Friday, Sept. 17, with the Torchlight Parade, a concert in the park, and opening ceremonies, before culminating Sunday with the Children’s Parade and other activities. The second day of the event offered locals and tourists alike a chance to enjoy an early-morning aebleskiver breakfast, see performances by the Solvang Village Folk Dancers and the Danish Days Parade – with this year’s grand marshals Roger and Ann Nielsen – down Mission Drive. A Viking encampment at Solvang Park offered an up-close look into the old world of Scandinavian explorers, warriors and merchants.
“It’s living history to give people a glimpse of Viking culture and get a flavor of how it was during the Viking age. We show everything, including the art, the food, the clothes and the weapons,” said Jaan Calderon, who has spearheaded the Ravens of Odin Viking encampment at the celebration for six years. “We want people to be proud of their ancestors who had to survive against overwhelming odds.”
