Saturday, March 22, finds Lindsborg immersed in pure waffle love — from hot breakfast waffles and sweet waffle treats to waffle-inspired games and songs and even to roving Waffle People in costume.
It’s the annual Lindsborg Våffeldagen, which translates as “waffle day” in English. Lindsborg’s version of Våffeldagen has earned a reputation for its quirkiness and mellow, friendly atmosphere.
Event founder Carla Wilson explained, “In Sweden and most of Europe, people mark the day by eating waffles. In Lindsborg, we eat waffles plus we welcome waffle creativity — jokes, parody songs, hats, clothing, jewelry, visual references, and anything that is waffle-y.”
The Birth of Våffeldagen
For hundreds of years, Swedes and much of Scandinavia have recognized this nine-month mark before Christmas. The countdown to Christmas was first known in Swedish as “Vårfrudagen,” which translates into English as “Our Lady’s Day” in reference to the Annunciation. Through mispronunciations over time, the word “Vårfrudagen” morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which means “waffle day.” So began the surprising marriage of a Christian observance and a popular food item.
In Lindsborg, Våffeldagen is celebrated on the nearest Saturday to the official International Våffeldagen, which is always on March 25. “We schedule ours on Saturdays so that more people are able to join in the fun — especially families,” said long-time volunteer Kathy Richardson.
Food and treats are served most of the day — starting at the 7:00am opening of Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery and running through the 8:00pm closing of the Crown and Rye Restaurant. In the hours between, look for other tasty opportunities. Back by popular demand is Jalisco Mexican Restaurant’s own waffle tostada from 11:00am until sell out. The Öl Stuga will serve its popular waffle shots from 11:00am and into the night. Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream will offer house-made waffle goodness in scoops and cones.
From 8:00am to 2:00pm, angle for an encounter with Lindsborg’s Waffle People. These are good-natured volunteer greeters who will share information and pose for snapshots. 
In between waffles, make a day of roaming Lindsborg. From art galleries and boutiques to home decor and floral shops, Lindsborg’s downtown entertains with free sidewalk games and complimentary treats. At The Ivory Thimble, a limited number of waffle-inspired tee shirts and waffle hair bows will be offered for purchase.
A complete list of offerings, locations and schedules will be available on the Facebook pages of Visit Lindsborg or Lindsborg Våffeldagen starting March 9. Roving Waffle People will hand out schedules and gifts on the day of the event.
Lindsborg Vaffeldagen 2025 in sponsored by Lindsborg businesses and organizations.