 | ||
The Rebild Festival (Danish: Rebildfesten), or Rebild Celebrations, is an annual celebration of the American Independence Day in Denmark. At the same time, it serves as a homecoming for Danish-Americans. It takes place in the Rebild National Park in Jutland from which it takes its name and is arranged by the Danish-American Rebild Society.
History
Rebild National Park (Danish:Rebild Bakker) is a Danish national park situated near the town of Skørping in Rebild municipality, Region Nordjylland in northern Jutland, Denmark. The idea of arranging an annual gathering for Danish-Americans in a moorland setting in Denmark originated with Danish immigrant, Max Henius. Funds were being raised by Danish Americans to purchase to 200 acres (0.81 km2) of heather-covered hills and moorland, located in part of Denmark's largest forest, Rold Forest (Danish: Rold Skov).
When the area for the park was presented to the Danish government, it was explained that the area was to remain in its natural state and be open to the general public throughout the year. It would also serve as a venue for annual Fourth of July celebrations. Every July 4 since 1912, except during the two world wars, large crowds have gathered in the heather-covered hills of Rebild to celebrate American Independence Day. Due to a period of national mourning caused by King Frederik VIII's sudden death in May 1912, the first Rebild Festival was delayed until August 5. It was attended by somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 people.