Biike Bonfire

Programme

Proceeds from drinks sales go to protecting the Hörnum coastline (to finance measures not covered by the regional and federal authorities).

Afterwards you can enjoy the traditional Kale Dinner (“Grünkohl”) in Hörnum’s restaurants. You are strongly advised to book a table in advance!

A special day for the people of Sylt is 21st February, when they traditionally celebrate a Fresian national festival, the “Biikebrennen”. The evening sky glows for miles around with the bonfires of brushwood and branches (“Biike” in Fresian) on the Halligen and North Fresian islands and in the nearby mainland villages.

This folk custom has evolved down the centuries and is still vibrant today. Its origins lie in the dim and distant past - as a pagan rite to placate the gods and assert the people’s faith in the power of nature. Later the Biikebrennen marked the driving away of winter, but could also act as a warning signal – if pirates appeared off the coast, for example, it spread the news like wildfire! In the 17th and 18th century, when so many islanders from Sylt, Föhr and Amrum left to be seafarers, the Biike became a parting farewell from those staying behind.

The ritual acquired another new meaning in the 19th century as a symbol of the Fresians’ togetherness and love of homeland – and that is how it has stayed until today.

Holidaymakers are careful not to miss the torchlit processions to the Hörnum Biike, and later enjoy sitting and chatting with the locals as the embers of the bonfire die. There is scarcely a restaurant or home on the island that does not serve up the traditional Biike meal: a hearty helping of kale with smoked pork, sausage and roast potatoes. The following day, the 22nd February, is the Petritag. Traditionally on that date the governing council passed new laws and edicts and resolved legal disputes. Today the Petritag is an excuse for dancing on Sylt - for young and old!