In parts of Northern Europe, predominantly Germanic, Walpurgisnacht is celebrated each year around April 30.

This pagan festival is named for Walpurga, a Christian saint, who spent a number of years as a missionary in the Frankish empire. Over time, the celebration of this saint blended with the Viking celebrations of spring, and Walpurgisnacht was born.

In Norse traditions - and many others - this night is the time when the boundary between our world and that of the spirits is a bit shaky. Much like Samhain six months later, Walpurgisnacht is seen as a time to communicate with the spirit realm and with the fae.

Bonfires are traditionally lit to keep away malevolent spirits or those who might do us mischief.

Today, some Pagans in central and northern Europe still celebrate Walpurgisnacht as a precursor to Beltane.

Although it is named for a martyred saint, many Germanic Pagans try to honor the celebrations of their ancestors by observing this traditional holiday each year.

It is typically observed much like May Day celebrations themselves - with lots of dancing, singing, and ritual around the bonfire. Many celebrate it as a kind of Beltane Eve.