Biikebrennen in North Friesland, Germany
Biikebrennen in North Friesland, Germany is held on February 21. St. Peter's Day Eve. The annual festival dates back to the Middle Ages and now attracts the first tourists. This event in the third decade of the month February is annual. 
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Nowadays, the biikebrennen, as the bonfire tradition is called, is regarded as the most important regional festival, but this has not always been the case.
According to popular belief, biikebrennen is said to date back several centuries with roots in pagan celebrations for the Germanic god, Wodan. The fire is supposed to chase away evil spirits and protect seedlings in the upcoming season. In this interpretation, it marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new spring.
Another interpretation is that the biikebrennen was part of the farewell ceremonies held on the North Frisian islands and along the coast for departing fishermen, especially whalers.
The historical claims supporting its supposed long-lasting ties to earlier times may have been one reason why it was eagerly picked up and became a widespread custom again. In 2014, it was even officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage in Germany.
Source: folklife.si.edu
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