Lady Day / Feast of the Annunciation

What a load of waffle!

waffels by vickanflickan not really here, on Flickr

When: March 25th every year
Where: Christian Countries

In the Christian calendar March 25th (exactly nine months before Christmas) is the day of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, where it is said that the the archangel Gabriel told her that she would become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God despite being a virgin.

Around the time of the Spring equinox, the date of the Annunciation also marked the New Year in many places, including England up until the mid 1700s.

In Sweden March 25th is known as Våffeldagen (or Waffle Day) and marks the beginning of Spring. Swedes gather together with with family and friends to eat delicious heart-shaped waffles with whipped cream and berries. The waffle tradition apparently started due to a mispronunciation of the name for Annunciation Day. The day was originally known as or “Vårfrudagen” (or lady day), easily confused with Våffeldagen (waffle day)!

In Greece churches celebrate the Festival of the Annunciation with colourful religious events. The day also marks Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire and there are parades and military marches alongside church celebrations throughout Greece.

Food & Drink

Try our recipe for Swedish Waffles. Serve with coffee.

Travel

Travel to Sweden for waffles or to Greece to join in the celebrations.

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!