The Rebild Festival (Danish: Rebildfesten), or Rebild Celebrations, is an annual celebration of the American Independence Day in Denmark. At the same time, it serves as a homecoming for Danish-Americans. It takes place in the Rebild National Park in Jutland from which it takes its name and is arranged by the Rebild Society, a Danish-American friendship organization.
The idea of arranging an annual gathering for Danish-Americans in a moorland setting in Denmark originated with Max Henius.[1]
A collection among Danish-Americans across the United States funded the purchase of a 190.82 area area of moorland in the Rebild Hills.[1] When it was presented to the Danish government, it was explained that the area was to remain in its natural state and be open to the general public throughout the year. It would also serve as a venue for annual Fourth of July celebrations.[1]
Due to a period of national mourning caused by King Frederik VII's sudden death on May 14, the first Rebild Festival was delayed until August 5. It was attended by somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 people.[1]