The three warm and sunny days of June and of the Whitsun Holiday are the days of the Copenhagen Carnival. The main shopping and touristic street of Copenhagen, Strøget, as well as the park to the north called Fælledparken, become filled with music of various genres, colourful parades, half-naked girls dancing samba and other energetic and exciting dances, photographers scurrying among the crowd to take good shots of the girls’ uncovered body parts, and just citizens enjoying the event. Of course, it is not the mega-grand and mega-shiny Brazilian Carnival, but still is quite fun and entertaining.
Here is a glimpse of the Copenhagen Carnival that took place this year (2011) for you to see for yourself:
The Copenhagen Carnival’s history stretches back to 1982, when it was organized for the first time under the topic “The street is the stage, and you are the entertainer”. The idea to organize this event belongs to the artist John Little, who was inspired by the marvellous carnivals in the Caribbean region. You can read more about its history and development into a yearly festival of world music HERE.
But the Carnival is not a single opportunity to have lots of fun in Denmark this summer. Therefore, if you have missed it, do not worry. This is just the beginning of the summer festivals time! Check out the agenda full of various music, fashion shows, tasty delicacies, and lots of partying below.
Roskilde Festival: 26th of June – 4th of July
World music is coming to the Roskilde city once again. One of the six largest annual music festivals in Europe invites you for the 8 days of fun and entertainment. Read more about it HERE and HERE.
Copenhagen Jazz Festival: 1st – 10th of July
Crazy about jazz in particular? Then this music event organized since 1979 is the best place for you this summer. The stars of this year’s festival include Sonny Rollins, Bobby McFerrin, and Keith Jarrett. Get to know more about it HERE.
Copenhagen Fashion Week / Festival: 3rd – 7th of August
This is truly a marvellous gift to all ladies! While your boyfriend or husband revives slowly after unlimited beer-drinking and partying during the previous festivals, you can check out what the designers from all over the world have prepared for you this year. The Copenhagen Fashion Festival starts HERE.
Cultural Harbour: 5th – 7th of August
If your get overexcited from all those trendy and astronomically expensive models, then you can chill out at the annual harbour festival at Havneparken located at the Islands Brygge. Read some more details about it HERE.
SmukFest: 10th – 14th of August
Danes claim that this is the most beautiful festival of the year. They even did not put much creativity into its name and just called it “Beautiful Festival”. You can see if it is really true HERE.
Now it is time for the fans of electronic music to invade the streets of Copenhagen. The one week festival called Strøm is dedicated to this music genre. More information can be found HERE.
Copenhagen Cooking: 19th – 28th of August
After all those festivals you would probably get very hungry. So, why not take “the cherry from the pie” during the last days of summer and visit this food festival with lots of cooking and tasting opportunities spread all over the Denmark’s capital city. See what is on the menu HERE.
And there are many more interesting and exciting opportunities offered by Denmark in summer. Just go and explore the country, and you will surely find them!
So, prepare for much movin’ and groovin’! Show the world your partying might under the silver moonlight! And to end this silly rhyme:
IT’S SUMMER FESTIVALS TIME!
Filed under: Denmark: Behind the Curtain
