Hej Allesammen,
Have you noticed ducks showing up in Danish supermarkets lately? That’s because November 10th is Mortensaften, or St. Martin’s Eve — a cozy Danish tradition that’s all about good food, candlelight, and gathering indoors as the days get darker.
What is Mortensaften?
Mortensaften celebrates Saint Martin of Tours, known in Danish as Sankt Morten. According to legend, Martin didn’t want to become a bishop, so he hid in a barn full of geese — but the geese made so much noise that people found him! Because of this, Danes traditionally eat duck or goose (andesteg or gåsesteg) on November 10th — to “punish” the noisy birds.
How it’s celebrated
Mortensaften isn’t a public holiday, but many Danes mark it with a family dinner or restaurant meal featuring:
- Roast duck or goose
- Potatoes, red cabbage (rødkål), and brown sauce
- Sometimes apple and prune stuffing
- Dessert like risalamande or baked apples
It’s one of those traditions that feels like a warm-up for Christmas — full of hygge, comfort food, and candles on a dark November night.
A Danish way to slow down
For many Danes, Mortensaften is a calm evening — a chance to gather, enjoy a slow meal, and share stories. It reflects something very Danish: taking pleasure in simple traditions and seasonal food.
Discussion time!
- Have you ever celebrated Mortensaften or tried andesteg in Denmark?
- What are some autumn or November traditions in your own country?
- Do you think Denmark’s smaller seasonal traditions (like Mortensaften or Fastelavn) help you feel more connected to Danish culture?
I look forward to seeing your responses to this discussion in the reply section below!
Happy Mortensaften!
Alison, OLS Community Manager - Danish