We appeal to you all to be responsible and refrain from all types of traditional Valborg celebrations this year. Instead, let’s keep our distance and look after one another by celebrating apart and absolutely not risk adding to crowds and public gatherings by going out. Help us spread the word – use this film clip, for example.
At this time of year at the University, we’re usually busy preparing to celebrate Valborg (Walpurgis Eve). Just around the corner, we would have the Spring Conferment Ceremony in the Grand Auditorium, with all our new PhDs and jubilee doctors decked out in formal attire. This year, spring is different. The sun, warmth and green leaves are here as usual, but to slow the spread of infection we need to take joint responsibility for continuing to keep our distance and not gathering in large groups. We’re caring a little more about one another and finding alternative ways to welcome the spring.
While you’re at it, take the chance to learn more about the history of Valborg celebrations in Uppsala by watching some newly recorded films which will be published on www.uu.se next week. Your cicerone is the University’s very own guide, the always-in-demand Mikael Norrby.
Next year we will meet again in Uppsala to celebrate Valborg in the traditional style and a conferment ceremony with cannon salute!