Sønderho Day

The Fanø scarf is one of the island’s most beautiful hallmarks, closely connected to traditional folk costumes and the island's maritime cultural history. The tradition dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when Fanø’s sailors travelled on long voyages to distant parts of the world. When they returned from journeys to, among other places, Asia, they brought home the finest silk scarves for their wives and daughters. Many of these came from China and India and soon became part of the local dress – a visible testament to Fanø’s encounter with the wider world. Today, the tradition lives on. Fanø scarves are still handwoven in India by skilled artisans in a village with proud weaving traditions. Before the work begins, the Danish weaver Margit Korshøj studies an original scarf from the collection of the Gamle Sønderho Foundation. She carefully documents the pattern, colours, materials, and weave density so that the Indian weavers can recreate the tradition with great precision. Creating a Fanø scarf is a slow and demanding process. Setting up the loom alone can take several days, as up to 30 silk threads per centimetre are often used. Sample pieces are woven first, a process that typically takes three to four months. Only then does the actual production begin, which takes another three to four months. Once the scarves are finally finished, they are washed, hemmed, labelled, pressed, and packed. Each scarf is unique. Small variations in the weave bear witness to the craftsmanship involved and highlight the difference from machine-made products. A Fanø scarf is therefore much more than a piece of fabric – it is the result of many months of dedicated work, a high level of expertise, and deep respect for tradition. The price reflects this long and meticulous process, and each scarf carries a story that connects Fanø with the rest of the world.

WEDDING PROCESSION

Sønderhodagsprogram 2026

SØNDERHODAG 2026

Sønderhodag takes place this year on Sunday, 19 July.

On Sønderhodag, all traffic entering Sønderho is diverted away from Landevejen. We therefore recommend arriving early. If possible, we also encourage you to leave your car at home. Thank you for your cooperation.

11:00 am – Festive Service at Sønderho Kirke with Miriam Florez

You are warmly invited to attend the service wearing traditional costume.

2:00 pm – Wedding Procession from Børsen to Møllebanken

The traditional wedding procession begins at Børsen by the harbour in Sønderho and makes its way through the village to Møllebanken by Sønderho Mølle. The bridal couple leads the procession, and everyone wearing a Sønderho costume is welcome to take part – whether you are an experienced participant or joining for the first time. Read more about costume rental here. Please note that, unfortunately, there will be no horse-drawn carriage rides for children this year. Instead, wagons will be available to borrow at Børsen if little legs get tired on the walk to the mill.

Approximately 2:30 pm – At Møllebanken (Sønderho old Mill)

After the procession, everyone gathers at Møllebanken for the afternoon programme, which includes:

Welcome speech by Henrik Bay, Chairman of Fonden Gamle Sønderho
This year's Sønderhodag address by Isabella Exner Lenzing. Isabella holds an MA in Art History and works as an art educator. She was born and raised in Sønderho and has extensive knowledge of Fanø's cultural heritage and living traditions.
Prologue by actress Maria Grønlund Malling
An introduction to the unique musical tradition "Sønderhoningen" by Dorte Uhrbrand
The bridal couple's dance to the Three Wedding Tunes
Presentation of the traditional costumes by Asta Rudloff & Leonora Wahl Brink

Admission to the activities at Møllebanken requires a "Mølletegn", which can be purchased at the entrance for DKK 50.

Afternoon and Evening

After the programme at Møllebanken, Sønderhodag continues with music, dancing, and social gatherings throughout the village. The bridal couple will dance at Brugsen, before continuing to Sønderho Kro, Badehotellet, Fajancen, and Nanas Stue. While waiting for the doors to open for the Sønderhodag Ball at Sønderho Forsamlingshus, you can enjoy live music in the courtyard of Café Nanas Stue.

9:00 pm – Sønderhodag Ball

The day concludes with the traditional Sønderhodag Ball at Sønderho Forsamlingshus. Read more here.

Rental of Fanø costumes for Sønderhodag 2026

Ugen op til Sønderhodag 2026

THE WEEK UP TO SØNDERHODAG

As tradition has it, in the days leading up to Sønderhodag there will be opportunities to learn the sønderhoning dance:

Wednesday, 8 July
Monday, 13 July
Wednesday, 15 July

All sessions take place at Sønderho Forsamlingshus from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

In addition, there will be a dance evening on Friday, 17 July, from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am at Sønderho Forsamlingshus.

Information about admission, musicians, and more can be found under each event in our event calendar here:

Raffle Ticket Children in the Week Leading Up to Sønderhodag

Being a raffle ticket girl or boy is a very special experience and a cherished tradition that many children return to year after year.

During the week leading up to Sønderhodag, the children go from door to door selling raffle tickets as part of the tradition. Dressed in the beautiful Fanø traditional costumes, they walk around in small groups in both Sønderho and Nordby. Along the way, they form special friendships that often last well into adulthood.

This activity is open to everyone – local children, holiday home guests, and visitors alike.

You can find information about costume rental and becoming a raffle ticket girl or boy for Sønderhodag here:

Calendar

Rental of Fanø costumes for Sønderhodag 2026

SØNDERHO DAYS THROUGH THE AGES

2014

Sunday 20 July

Festive speaker: Ina Kjøgx

2022

Sunday 17 July.
Festive speaker: Mayor Frank Jensen.

2019

Sunday 21 July.

Festive speaker: Parish priest Miriam Florez.

2016

Sunday 17 July

Festive speaker: Bertel Haarder, Minister of Culture and the Church.

2014

Sunday 20 July

Festive speaker: Ina Kjøgx

2021

Sunday 18 July.

Festive speaker: Minister of Culture Joy Mogensen

2018

Sunday, July 15.

Festive speaker: Villy Søvndal, member of Parlamant.

2015

Sunday 19 July

Festive speaker: Marianne Jelved, Minister of Culture.

2023

Sunday 17 July.
Festive speaker: Author Jeppe Brixvold.

2020

Sønderhodag 2020 was affected by corona.

2017

Sunday 16 July
Festive speaker: Mette Frederiksen, chairman of the Social Democratic Party.

2014

Sunday 20 July

Festive speaker: Ina Kjøgx

EXCERPT OF CELEBRATION SPEECHES

"The outlook and openness have always characterized Sønderho. We hear it in the music, we see it in the beautiful fabrics of the costumes, we see it in the tiles of the houses, but it is also felt between people. There is room for diversity here."

FRANK JENSEN,
FESTIVE SPEECH 2022

"Thank you for the truly unique way of uniting the past, present, and future. It is quite remarkable to witness a local community like this celebrating while also holding onto traditions, songs, dances, and music. It speaks to a strong sense of community and a strong heritage."

METTE FREDERIKSEN,
FESTIVE SPEECH 2017

"We are celebrating today. We rejoice in the traditions, costumes, festive dances, and the lovely town of Sønderho, which stands almost as it did 100 years ago."

BERTEL HAARDER,
FESTIVE SPEECH 2016

In The Press