Thanks to a revival in interest regarding Mandø traditions, there are now about 20-25 Mandø costumes in existence (plus a handful in the museum). They make at least one appearance per year during July's Mandøfest (also called Homecoming Fest or "Hjemstavnsfest"). Girls being confirmed wear the lovely Mandø folk costume, as do others with a connection to the island.

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Mandø Women's Folk Costume

a. silk cap worn on head with smaller white cotton cap underneath. A strip of lace from the white cotton cap is left visible under the colored silk cap. The silk comes in several colors: black for girls being confirmed, and red, blue or gray for adults.

b. headcloth (worn by females not being confirmed) and neckcloth (worn by all), both historically made of cotton, but can be silk. The cloths can match each other, but don't have to. One can see a North Frisian influence in the cloths, which are somewhat like that of Fanø and Rømø. In fact, some women wear silk Fanø cloths.

b. blouse, made of cotton, often featuring a pattern

c. bodice of wool

d. a breastplate of cotton or silk that displays through a gap in the center of the bodice. It is somewhat square in shape and is pinned to the blouse underneath. The use of a breastplate is reminiscent of the costume of South Falster.

e. skirt, made of dark green wadmal wool, with a strip of light green (or occasionally blue) silk toward the bottom of the skirt

f. apron, made of cotton, which frequently matches the fabric and pattern of the blouse (but is not required to)

g. petticoat, made of white cotton, underneath

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Mandø Men's Folk Costume

There is also a Mandø men's folk costume of which only one photo is known (see bottom of page).

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Mandofest (2nd Saturday in July)

This annual one-day event is seemingly intended for people with a connection to Mandø Island. As only about 45 people live on the island in modern times, people whose ancestors hailed from this adorable island return home for a day of celebration:

a. 8am: Flag raising and singing Mandø songs with about 70 people at the old windmill.

b. 9-11am: Coffee/tea and buttered rolls at "Stalden," the newly-constructed welcome center.

c. 11am: Special church service at Mandø Church: This is the event to which all 20 or so folk costumes on the island are worn!

d. 1pm: Costume Parade from church to the old windmill for more photos.

e. 2pm: Lecture at Rescue Station

f. 5pm: Homecoming dinner: Around 150-200 people pack into Stalden for a homecoming celebration dinner.