Rebild Festival

The idea of arranging an annual gathering for Danish-Americans in a moorland setting in Denmark originated with Danish immigrant Max Henius.

Funds were raised by Danish Americans to purchase to 200 acres (0.81 km2) of heather-covered hills and moorland, located within Denmark's largest forest, Rold Forest (Danish: Rold Skov).

Henius also required it to serve as the venue for annual Fourth of July celebrations.

[4] Every July 4 since 1912, except during the two world wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.

Entrance to Rebild National Park
Painting by Emil Wennerwald from the first Rebild Celebration August 5th 1912
Danish actor Caspar Phillipson , performing as American President John F. Kennedy , gave three of Kennedy's speeches at the Rebild Festival (2022).