CPH Post - Easter Holiday 2022

EASTER HOLIDAY

2022

SPRING EXHIBITIONS AT DENMARK’S FAVOURITE MUSEUM SONIA DELAUNAY PETER COOK DIANE ARBUS NEW ACQUISITIONS

LOUISIANA.DK

INTRO

EASTER: A WELCOME BREAK!

PIXABAY

Easter’s always been a welcome break, even if we never know for sure when it’s taking place.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve looked it up in advance, only to forget and swear blind that it’s early April this year, not later in the month. Really, how many of us make it to three score and ten and confess to be Easter experts with a handle on its range?

But whenever it arrives, it’s an opportunity to recharge: perfect if you’d rather spend most of your holidays in Juli and Jul. With the three bank holiday weekends, which always tend to come in May, seeing out the first half of the year without succumbing to exhaustion is relatively easy in Denmark.

2022 awful for holidays Our new columnist Conrad Molden (see Page 23), a British stand-up comedian based in Jutland, reckons we should bundle up the Easter-related holidays in the same way that Christian V created Store Bededag, the first of those aforementioned

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EASTER 2022 GUIDE

bank holiday weekends, and then let us take the remainder when we choose fit. After all, they’re so randomly chosen anyway, so why not?

Better, though, would be more bank holidays in the second half of the year. Keep the Easter break, and the Ascension Thursday bank holiday – most employers assume you’ll take the Friday off anyway, so for the price of one day’s holiday, you get a four-day weekend – but scrap Store Bededag and Pentecost.

Besides, if I was an Easter expert (so presumably a lunarologist), I could calculate the chances of these two days falling on either Labour Day (May 1) or Constitution Day (June 5), which are holidays for public workers in Denmark if they fall on a week-day. The killer for Denmark is that they are 35 days apart so always fall on the same day, and when they fall on a Sunday, like this year, Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve/Day fall over the weekend, so that’s six fewer holidays right there.

Wild turkey shoots But let’s not pretend that Easter is very meaningful anymore in secular societies like Denmark. Lent, a 40-day period of fasting that officially ends the day before Easter Sunday, is observed by virtually no-one – really, it would be a wonder if any supermarket chain in northern Europe factors it into its thinking.

Alcohol is also supposed to be banned, but try these three words for size: St Patrick’s Day. In fact, the reason why it’s become such a piss-up is because the Catholic Church felt the need to hand it a reprieve from the strict laws in countries such as Ireland and the US. Jesus Christ died, of course, and your time could be spent worse than watching ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’, even if it is only to catch John Wayne’s immortal cameo. One thing’s for sure: he wasn’t fasting on the Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon during that shoot.

Renewed spring in your step Still, there are nice Danish traditions worth looking out for (see Pages 4 and 16) – making a ‘gækkebrev’ letter is probably the most fun, but perhaps as an observer of one of your children, as there’s a fine line between sending one and stalking.

Really, as this special edition confirms, this is a great time to embrace the spring. At the time of writing, it is snowing in Copenhagen, but we’re confident that Holy Week, which officially starts with Palm Sunday on April 10, will bring much warmer weather: rising to 10 degrees on the Tuesday and steadily climbing thereafter.

So get out there and enjoy what the country has to offer. Pages 6-15 are packed full of suggestions, and if you want a few more events added to your selection, check out Page 20 in the newspaper.

Given the poor weather of late, Easter is shaping up to be a break in more ways than one. (BH)

Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen • Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +45 2420 2411

Easter holiday at the Viking Ship Museum April 9th - 18th

Feel the past ...

- Want to be a history detective?

Follow in the archaeologist’s footsteps and investigate artefacts from the depths of the sea.

Want to be a history detective?

With the discovery set in hand, you can travel around the museum and find clues, solve the tasks - and get a prize.

Workshop at 10:30 - 15:30: Get close to the past...

Family ticket

(2 adults + children 0-17 år)

230 DKK

Workshop at 14:00 - 15:30: Bake Viking biscuits over open fire Bake ‘Birka Biscuits’ in the large Viking tent. The biscuit is a small piece of flatbread known from the Viking Age.

Exhibition: Climb Aboard!

Examine a skeleton and learn about the people of the past.

Feel the past... Explore ancient finds from the depths of the ocean.

Embark on Viking ships and get the experience of being on an ever changing voyage across the high seas.

Guided tour in English at 13:00

Who can solve the MuseumMystery?

Join the guided tour in English about the five Viking Ships at 13:00 or embark on the family guided tour (only in Danish) at 11:00.

A digital treasure hunt, which brings you around the Viking ships in a fun way.

Eat New Nordic Viking food in Café Knarr with views of the wooden ships in the Museum Harbour.

Find out more: vikingshipmuseum.dk

DANISH EASTER

SURVIVING THE DANISH EASTER PIXABAY

An insider’s tips on how to best prepare for and endure Holy Week

KIRSTEN LOUISE PEDERSEN As Easter is approaching it occurred to me how differently it is celebrated around the world.

It’s yet another festive season originally rooted in religion – crucifixion, Lent and suchlike – which a lot of people clearly no longer relate to as they stuff their faces with chocolate, get legless on Easter brew and enjoy the long weekend!

Seasonal crossroads In Denmark, Easter is a spring event signalling that summer is near. In the Southern Hemisphere, Easter marks the end of it. In New Zealand it’s said that if you’re still swimming in the sea during Easter weekend, it’s been a good summer.

Festive seasons in Denmark naturally involve arts and crafts. Decorated ‘troldegrene’ (troll branches), intricately curly branches with painted eggs and coloured ribbons, are a common sight in Danish homes. Daffodils and snowdrop flowers are indicators of spring in Denmark and have therefore become synonymous with Easter.

First a decoration is made from cutting shapes off a folded up piece of paper to create a pretty symmetrical pattern when unfolded. And then inside the decoration a poem is written, often including the words: “Mit navn det står med prikker, pas på det ikke stikker”(my name is written in dots, careful they don’t sting – this phrase rhymes in Danish!).

The poem is then signed with dots instead of letters – each dot represents a letter in the sender’s name – and sneakily dropped into the mailbox (showing my age) of an unsuspecting recipient. If they are unsuccessful in guessing the creator of the gækkebrev, they are obliged to give them a chocolate Easter egg! Needless to say, grandma got carpet-bombed.

More universal is a big meal – normally a classic Danish lunch enjoyed with your extended family with schnapps and beer. Traditional Danish lunches are world famous for being scrumptious and are enjoyed throughout the year at various key occasions. Stuffing your face with chocolate eggs, on the other hand, is a rather global tradition these days.

As well as the mountains of Easter eggs, many English-speaking countries around the world will serve up ‘hot cross buns’ (sweet, spiced fruit buns with a symbolic cross glazed on top) as

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EASTER 2022 GUIDE

To drink or not to drink Denmark is never one to pass up an opportunity to brew beer! A number of special beers are launched over Easter – often spiced and much stronger than your usual ranges. Needless to say Easter is a jolly season in Denmark!

Unlike beer-swiggin’ Denmark, resilient religious rules still prevail over Easter in some countries. In New Zealand, for example, it is illegal to sell alcohol on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Alcohol can be served in restaurants – but only if accompanied by food.

Heads up, a sneaky bowl of shoestring fries won’t cut it (I’ve tried). No cap will come off a bottle of booze unless a sensible, full meal is ordered!

This piece was originally published in March 2018 FACEBOOK/ MØLLEBÆKKENS KØBMANDSGÅRD

Egg-cellent fun for all Easter in Denmark tends to include some sort of egg game, whether it’s hiding chocolate ones for a hunt, or rolling real ones down a (small) hill. Egg-painting is popular, but traditions vary from family to family. Some, for example, might sit down on the morning of Easter Sunday and paint their soft-boiled eggs before eating them.

an Easter treat. The hot cross bun originally marked the end of Lent.

BILKA

Easter Valentine cards A ‘gækkebrev’, occasionally referred to as a ‘snowdrop letter’ in English, is an Easter tradition that in Danish history dates back as far as the 17th century.

KIRSTEN LOUISE PEDERSEN Born and raised in Denmark and a resident of New Zealand for over 14 years, Kirsten has lived a pretty nomadic life since her early 20s. A physiotherapist, yoga teacher and keen home cook, she is passionate about food, good living and natural health. Email her at kirstenlouise@protonmail.com

THINGS TO DO

NO LIMIT TO THE FUN THIS EASTER Families spoilt for choice this holiday PIXABAY

ARMELLE DELMELLE The dark Danish winter has come to an early halt. The birds and the bees are busy, the buds are blossoming and, in and around the city, a furious frenzy of activity is unfolding, including both children and adults.

The excitement is understandable. For the first time since 2019, the public can look forward to a full program of Easter events, and believe us: there are many wonders waiting to be discovered for the whole family.

Well and truly open Given that a combination of the now-ended restrictions and wintry weather has been stopping the family from taking day trips of late, this could be the first time in ages that the whole family has packed into a car.

So it’s safe to say that Denmark is well and truly open and ready to accommodate you throughout this Easter break.

TOP OF THE SEASON AT TIVOLI

WHERE KIDS GET TO BE SLEUTHS VIKINGSHIP MUSEUM TIVOLI

Easter at Tivoli, Vesterbrogade 3, Cph V; open from April 8, Fri-Sat 11:00-24:00, Sun-Thu 11:00-22:00; entry: 145kr, entry with unlimited rides: 390kr; tivoli.dk

Concert Hall at 23:45 – it’s always best seen from the open-air stage.

The gardens will be filled with aromatic hyacinths, daffodils and colourful eggs to celebrate Easter at Tivoli. If you are ready for some celebrations, the blooming gardens are too!

Chums with Klump The aforementioned open-air stage will be busy entertaining the younger ones. Every afternoon three shows will be held, while Rasmus Klump and his friends Pingo and Flora need your help to decorate beautiful eggs in time for Easter.

Tivoli will open for the Easter break with a grand firework display! On April 8, the banging will commence from the rooftop of the

And last but not least: the rides! Back on track for another season, they rarely disappoint.

(AD)

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EASTER 2022 GUIDE

Viking Ship Museum, Vindeboder 12, Roskilde; open daily 10:00-16:00; 125kr Adventure is awaiting at the Viking Ship Museum.

A free guided tour in English (at 13:00) will take you through the stories of five original Viking Ships from Skuldelev.

Stop the thieves!

Afterwards, why not save the museum from being the victim of a heist!

Master thief Heidenreich has plans to steal something valuable and only the children can help prevent that!

A phone is needed to download the free Useeum app to take part.

Ships that speak And finally, who knew that ships could speak!

Listen to seafarers’ dramatic stories from the perspective of the ships themselves.

THINGS TO DO

DAY IN THE LIFE YOU WON’T FORGET 09:31: ”Hi darling, just wanted to let you know that we got here at 09:30 as planned – easy to find from Hellerup Station. I don’t think we’ll be much longer than an hour, so we’ll see you at 11 for coffee!”

10:47: “We’re not going to make coffee.

Young Jasper took one look at the ball-bearings on a rail contraption and he was off. I’ve never seen him look so excited. He’s still there now, scoring points for all the balls he can collect. At least he seems to understand the rules. And Tom and Sarah have been cycling, hopping, playing stepping stones and testing their reactions, strength and agility in every way possible. And we’re not even finished on the first floor. Restaurant at 1 looking more likely now.”

13:13: “We’re still on the first floor, I’m afraid.

Once Jasper found out about the hopping,

EXPERIMENTARIUM

Experimentarium, Tuborg Havnevej 7, Hellerup; open Mon-Fri 09:30-17:00, Sat-Sun 09:30-17:00; over-11s 199kr, under-12s 125kr, under-3s free adm; experimentarium.dk

cycling and the rest, he wanted to try them all, and the others didn’t seem to mind. We’ll get something at the canteen. Seriously, 3 o’clock for coffee – I’ll drag ‘em out if I need to.”

14:55: “I’ve never seen the kids so fascinated.

Even Jasper is reading most of the scientific explanations. Every time I suggest it’s time to move on, we find something that everyone wants to do – yeah … me included. Like did you know I have an amazing heartbeat recovery time, and the fitness of somebody aged 32! Next up is a team challenge on observation skills.”

16:55: “We’re on the roof! Games galore up here and what a view! The place closes in five minutes, so I guess this is finally it.

Although I hear they’re opening a luxury cinema up here so next year we can stay even longer. The kids are tired as hell, but they’re already talking about coming back!

And Jasper says he wants to be a nuclear physicist. Time to head down the insane spiral stairway.” (BH)

GUNNING DOWN THAT HILL COPENHILL

Copenhill, Vindmøllevej 6C, Cph S; open Mon-Fri 12:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00; children: 105kr per hour, adults: 150kr per hour; copenhill.dk

the Øresund, you don’t need any further confirmation the height is above sea level.

The slope awaits And then move on to the main event: a chance An architecturally unique destination for an to ski and snowboard down the huge slope, active family, Copenhill calls itself “Copenha- which is divided into different levels to enable gen’s epicentre of urban mountain sports” support for a wide range of abilities.

– and for good reason.

The centre also includes the largest climbing Start your visit by taking the hiking route wall in the world. At 85 metres tall and 10 through an exciting green landscape that metres wide, it’s a challenge: both to climb lends itself to activities, but remember to and to convince anyone to give it a go. take in the view.

Times at Copenhill should be booked online At an altitude of 85 metres towering above in advance on its website. (Maria El Youssif )

EASTER 2022 GUIDE

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THINGS TO DO

PEOPLE SAY WE MONKEY AROUND! Copenhagen Zoo, Roskildevej 32, Frederiksberg; open daily 09:00-17:00, until 18:00 on weekends; over-12s: 195 kr, under-12s: 105kr, zoo.dk Tourscanner recently named Copenhagen Zoo as the 33rd best on the planet, drawing particular attention to its Elephant House, which was designed by famous British architect Norman Foster.

That isn’t the only must-see enclosure at the famous zoo – or one built by a celebrity architect for that matter – which is located a little outside the city centre, at the top of one of the steepest hills in the whole capital, where it overlooks the wonderful Frederiksberg Have park.

The panda house is designed by the famous Bjarke Ingels Group in the shape of a Yin-Yang symbol.

The pressure is mounting on resident pandas Xing Er and Mao Sun to mate, now fully four years since they moved to the new premises.

One of them managed a walkabout in 2020, suggesting they’re maybe not happy with the company!

Petting is compulsory!

The hippo pool is also highly recommended.

Boasting breathtaking underwater views, you’ll never forget the first time one of the giant beasts emerges from the cloudy water to stare right into your face.

Tigers, lions, monkeys and polar bears also await – in total there are over 4,000 animals – but often the biggest draw with children is the area where they can get up close and personal.

In the Children’s Zoo section it is possible to pet African dwarf goats and meet the farm

animals. Here young ones can also experience the horses being trained and pet them while they are being fed at the grooming stations.

Copenhagen Zoo will be open for the entire Easter break, offering many special activities such as hanging out with dinosaurs at Dinozoo, learning about the leopard gecko, meeting a

gravel paths. And discover how farmers lived and worked in different regions of Denmark between the 1700-1900s.

A 20-minute drive from the city, or a quick S-train trip to Sorgenfri, is a journey back in time.

Heaps of activities Offering heaps of outdoor activities and over 100 buildings, Frilandsmuseet will entertain the young-ins during the Easter break.

EASTER 2022 GUIDE

Remember to call in advance if you wish to book a carriage ride.

COPENHOT

FRILANDSMUSET

Frilandsmuseet (Open Air Museum), Kongevejen 100, Kongens Lyngby; open Tue-Sun 10:00-16:00; natmus.dk

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And as always, you can be present during feeding sessions with penguins, black-capped squirrel monkeys, birds, otters and other eccentric creatures. (BH)

STEAMY IN THE SPA

OUT THERE IN ‘OLD DENMARK’

Learn about authentic old Danish living experiences in this outdoor history lesson of straw-houses, horse and buggy rides, and old

zookeeper, watching shows and many other offers!

Copenhot, Refshalevej 325, Cph K; open Wed-Sun 10:00-21:00; copenhot.com Not far from Copenhill, you can end the day with the Danish version of ‘apres-ski’ at Copenhot.

Enjoy a spa at the location or set off into the harbour. For a spa that sits five, it costs 1,300 an hour (as opposed to 300 kroner for individuals on their own).

Plenty of options For a more intimate experience, choose the option that includes a bottle of Cava for 1,580 kroner.

Or for 2,200 kroner, take one of the two ‘Sailing Hot Tubs’ out for a 90-minute spin in the harbour.

Reservations are advised for group bookings.

THINGS TO DO

AT HOME IN HOLGER AND HAMLET’S HOOD It’s easy to spot Kronborg Castle once you’re in Helsingør. Its dreamlike turquoise spires and sandstone columns tower over the narrow promontory separating Denmark and Sweden.

Here, at the closest point, the Swedish coast is just 4km away.

A rich history to explore In the 1500s, international relations were a little frostier than today, and the Swedish-facing side of Kronborg was bristling with artillery.

Nevertheless, in 1658 the Swedes invaded Kronborg, ransacking it of art and other valuables. In response, the very-pissed-off Danes built huge new ramparts and a more advanced line of defence – which can still be seen today – and Kronborg became the strongest fortress in Europe.

The site has done various stints as a prison, royal residence and military base. It’s about

as majestic as classic Danish architecture gets and is well worth a day-trip as one of the three (technically five, but two are in Greenland) UNESCO world heritage sites in Denmark.

KRONBORG

Kronborg Castle, Helsingør; open Fri-Sat 10:0017:00, Tue-Sun 11:00-16:00, closed Mon; under-18s: free adm, over-18s: 125kr

To be or not to be Incidentally, it’s also the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, though Horatio’s description of the view from Kronborg – which “puts toys of desperation into every brain that looks so many fathoms to the sea and hears it roar beneath” – paints a bleaker picture than modern visitors can expect.

Today, the castle is home to special exhibitions, the latest being ‘Jim Lyngvild’s Royal History at Kronborg Castle’, which runs until November 14. Visitors can catch the royal retrospective, explore the rooms, complete with original furnishings, and wander the wind-battered military grounds.

If you dare, descend below the castle into its network of gloomy tunnels that house the famous statue of sleeping warrior, ‘Holger Dansk’. Legend has it he will awaken when his country needs him. (LH)

ON SAFARI IN THE SAVANNAH

YEARS OF THE CLOWN

Open since 1969, Knuthenborg Safaripark is the largest of its kind in northern Europe, spreading over an area of 660 hectares.

Up close with tigers Along with the large areas in which the 1,000+ different species of animals stroll around freely, the site also has a large amusement park, an old manor house, a castle, informative exhibitions and activities.

Top tip: don’t miss the tiger area where you can see them up close and personal!

Among the beasts Dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts are

also a focus – in fact, there is even a Dinosaur Park. But don’t worry, an eccentric millionaire’s not going to accidentally release the velociraptors.

Nevertheless, if the thrill of mixing with the wildlife appeals to you, you can book an overnight stay in a tent on an elevated terrace two metres above ground-level, from where you can observe animals walking around below you.

Feeling hungry?

If all that livestock whets your appetite, why not enjoy a delicious gourmet meal with a view of the savannah.

Tickets, including family passes, can be bought online. (LH)

BAKKEN

KNUTHENBORG SAFARIPARK

Knuthenborg Safaripark, Knuthenborg Alle 1, Maribo; open daily 10:00-17:00; under-12s: 99-149kr, over12s: 159-239kr, under-3s free adm (more expensive at weekends); knuthenborg.dk

Easter at Bakken, Dyrehavevej 62, Klampenborg; open from April 8, 11:00-24:00; free adm; wristband for under-13s: 249-299kr, Monday wristband: 149kr; bakken.dk Did you know that the Dyrehavsbakken theme park, which is more commonly referred to as Bakken, opened in 1583, making it the world’s oldest themepark?

shout, and a few adults too, and his storytelling never fails to disappoint them. “I feel like a part of Bakken’s heart,” Pierrot says.

If that’s true, let’s hope Onkel Reje doesn’t cut it out because he’s a pirate. Aimed at slightly older kids, his shows are pretty riotous.

This means it could quite legitimately have been mentioned in a Shakespeare play (but not Hamlet, as that’s set in around 1400), or had its opening day painted by a young Rubens.

Rides don’t get more rickety Almost as old as the clown are some of Bakken’s rides, such as its famous wooden rollercoaster ‘Rutschebanen’. You might suspect the rickety ride dates back to the 1580s, but it was in fact opened in 1932.

Clown after our hearts Its clown Pierrot is similarly ancient. He was born in 1800 and for over 200 summers he has been delighting the children of Denmark with his antics: these days between 15:00 and 16:00 in front of his little greenhouse.

“Pierrot, Pierrot come out now,” the children

Until very recently, brakemen used to ride the coasters, responsible for reducing its speed around corners. But while that thrill has been discontinued, lots of new rides have been added over the last 20 years to bring Bakken kicking and screaming into yet another century. (BH)

EASTER 2022 GUIDE

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THINGS TO DO

GIANT TREASURE HUNT

CEMETERY CHERRY CLOSE-UPS

THOMAS DAMBO VISITCOPENHAGEN

The Hidden Giants, secret locations in Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund and Høje Taastrup; trollmap.com

Easter is upon us, and right on our doorstep is an outdoor activity that smacks of fairy-tale adventure. ‘The Six Forgotten Giants’ is a sculpture treasure-hunt hidden in nature-spots in six of Copenhagen’s western municipalities.

eas. “I find trash in the street and turn it into something new,” he says.

His outdoor troll installations – which have now popped up in Chicago, Pyongyang and Culebra in Puerto Rico too – are, in his words, Bispebjerg Cemetery, Rådvadsvej 64, Cph NV; open an “ever-growing recycled sculpture fairytale.” daily 07:00-19:00

The timber giants, each up to five metres tall, are built from scrap wood with the help of local volunteers and form the first ‘chapter’ of an ongoing art-narrative entitled ‘The Great Story Of The Little People and The Giant Trolls’.

On your doorstep But you won’t have to catch a flight or climb a beanstalk to find Dambo’s giants. The trolls are hidden in local forests, on hills and on the banks of lakes, and each hunt requires a little off-road rambling and google-mapping – perfect on a breezy autumn day.

Copenhagen’s beautiful cemeteries are a great place to sit in the sun and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

Off the beaten track The artist behind the work is Thomas Dambo, whose mission objective is to get urbanites off the beaten track and into local green ar-

Go to Dambo’s website, trollmap.com, for clues to help you hunt down the six secret spots in Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund and Høje Taastrup. (LH)

Why 150,000 visit The magnificent alley of pink Japanese cherry trees attracts more than 150,000 visitors annually.

EGGCELLENT: THE HUNT IS ON

That is odd if you ask me, but this author’s mind might be changed by the blooming cherry trees in Bispbjerg Cemetery.

So why not do it with other families? Who knows: your kid might even meet their new besties.

You can even host experiences if you like: something as simple as a dinner for yours and another family. The simple aim is to create memories. (Armelle Delmelle)

Byoasen in Hørsholmparken, Cph N, open daily: Mon-Thur: 09:00-17:00, Fri: 09:00-16:30, Sat-Sun: 10:00-14:00

The sacrifice of a lamb is often compared to the death of Christ, so it makes sense that so many Danes like to pet one at Easter. It’s symbolic, innit.

Take your kids to the Byoasen petting zoo in

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If walking and taking pictures is not your thing, ride past them on your bicycle. (Armelle Delmelle)

FRILANDSMUSET

The perk of celebrating Easter with your kids is looking for eggs the Easter bunny might have left behind.

It’s … Easter To celebrate the holiday in Denmark, It’s July, a meeting app/website for families, is hosting its first egg hunt in Copenhagen, and you are invited!

But be respectful If you do get your camera out to photograph the beautiful pink flowers, do remember that you are visiting a cemetery and that mourners may be present.

PETTING THE SPRING LAMBS

PIXABAY

Easter egg hunt, Lindevangsparken, Frederiksberg; April 16, 10:30-13:00; free tickets via billetto.dk

Both Copenhageners and tourists flock to the old cemetery to behold and immortalise the sight with their cameras. Be one of first this year!

Nørrebro and introduce them to a side of Easter that does not involve gorging on chocolate.

Other animals too Byoasen, which literally means ‘city oasis’, is free admission.

You can enjoy a cup of coffee while the young ones interact with goats, chickens, guinea pigs, and rabbits. (Armelle Delmelle)

THINGS TO DO

TOWERING OVER THE FOREST CANOPY CAMP ADVENTURE

Forest Tower, Skovtårnsvej 1, 4683 Rønnede; open daily 10:00-18:00; under-3s free adm; under-7s 75kr, over-7s 150kr, climbing park 150-350kr; campadventure.dk

It looked like something out of a fairy-tale when it was announced several years ago, but Camp Adventure’s 45 metre-high forest tower, complete with a spiral walkway, quickly became a reality when it opened, welcoming 2,500 people on its first day.

Set in the beautiful Gisselfeld Klosters forest, 95 metres above sea level and some 70 km away from Copenhagen, on a good day you can see much further from above the forest canopy – to Sweden and beyond!

Like Phileas Fogg In fact, at the top of the tower, the direction and distance of many, many famous cities is marked, as you take a 360 degree tour around the world.

Nearer to the tower, which costs 150 kroner to climb and is open from 10:00 every day, enjoy an awe-inspiring view of hills, meadows, lakes, wetlands and streams.

Climb like Spiderman And if climbing the tower isn’t enough – the distance of the walk, from the camp entrance, up the tower and back again, is a healthy 3.2 km – there’s also a challenging climbing park within the forest.

To get there by car, take the E20 and E47 from Copenhagen, or via rail, take a regional train to Næstved Station, from where the 630R bus will take you to within a kilometre. (BH)

NO REST DAYS AT ST ALBAN’S

UKRAINIAN MECCA FOR EASTER ST ALBANS ALEXANDER NEVSKY CHURCH

St Alban’s Church, Churchillparken 11, Cph K; Easter Sunday service at 10:30, plus services on all holy days Even Jesus got to rest on Saturday, but this won’t be the case at St Alban’s Church, which is holding Easter services throughout the ‘business end’ of Holy Week.

For nearly a century and a half, the Anglican (Episcopal) church has been the place to go for English-language services in Copenhagen.

In the aptly named park Set in the idyllic surroundings of Churchillparken it has a lively community and often activities follow services, giving newcomers to the city the chance to socialise with like-minded English-speakers.

While the main Easter Sunday service starts at 10:30, Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday services begin at 18:00, and the Good Friday service at 14:00. (Armelle Delmelle)

Alexander Nevsky Church, Bredgade 53, Cph K; Easter Day Service (in Russian) on April 24, 10:00

as the Russian Orthodox churches celebrate the big day almost a week later on April 24.

Following some recent war-related vandalism, Alexander Nevsky Church protested that while it is a Russian Orthodox church, it is not part of the Moscow patriarchate.

Built in the 1880s The church was built by the Russian government between 1881 and 1883 when Tzar Alexander and his wife, Princess Dagmar of Denmark, ascended to the Russian throne.

This, therefore, makes it an ideal spot for newly-arrived, Russian-speaking Ukrainians to celebrate Easter – once it comes around,

It is dedicated to the Russian patron saint Alexander Nevsky. (Armelle Delmelle)

EASTER 2022 GUIDE

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THINGS TO DO

WHERE SPACE IS SURPRISINGLY LIMITED DAC

Danish Architecture Center, Bryghusgade 10, Cph K; open daily, 10:00-18:00, until 21:00 on Thursdays; entry: adults: 115kr, under-18s: free adm, discounts available

During the Easter holidays, the Danish Architecture Centre invites you to family activities and two current exhibitions that zoom in on how small our homes could actually be – both here on Earth and in outer space.

DAC’s Educatorium invites the little ones inside where Easter fun is turned up a notch with creative activities including making beautiful Easter eggs inspired by the shapes and patterns of architecture, which you get to take home and hang up.

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At home on The Moon In the exhibition ‘A Space Saga’ you can explore a lunar home designed with well-being in mind. Space travel stimulates human curiosity and inventiveness and always has, whether in fiction or reality. Space travel requires concrete design and construction. Because how are we going to live in space?

In solidarity with Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who has confirmed he is going back to Space on a long-term mission, you too can discover what it is like to live in a cramped space.

In the exhibition A Space Saga you can ex-

perience SAGA Space Architects’ idea of an oval-shaped lunar habitat of just 4.5 sqm.

Building a better future In turn, you can build lunar architecture with LEGO® bricks. Think outside the box, because how do you survive in Space where there is no oxygen and no water? It takes a good imagination and the courage to think big to survive on the Moon.

DAC’s host will introduce the workshop with tips on architecture for the Moon and help with special LEGO building techniques along the way. Both children and adults need a ticket for the workshop, which is free with entry and lasts 75 minutes.

Welcoming in nature It is also the last chance to see the acclaimed exhibition ‘Living Better Sustainably’, which comes armed with the tagline “Death to the lawnmower”.

What on earth is that supposed to mean, you might think. Well, Tegnestuen Vandkunsten has highlighted this particular quote, as the whole exhibition is a bid for a sustainable future, where we should rethink the way we live.

The exhibition is not just about opening up to a community shared with other people, but also with nature, which we should welcome more into our homes, gardens and cities. (Armelle Delmelle)

Experience a world under the seven seas and enjoy a close encounter with majestic hammerhead sharks and elegant rays at Northern Europe’s largest and most modern aquarium.

Get your tickets at www.denblaaplanet.dk

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THINGS TO DO

LET THEM HUNT EGGS AT LOUISIANA! LOUISIANA

Louisiana Modern Art Museum; Gl Strandvej 13, Humlebæk; open Tue-Fri, 11:00-22:00, Sat-Sun: 11:00-18:00; 145kr, under-18s: free adm

Currently, there are seven exhibitions at Louisiana to enjoy, including a retrospective of the work of Sonia Delaunay.

From paintings to photography, from new to older works and acquisitions, there is something for everyone at Louisiana.

Colourful paradise Children can enjoy Easter at the Children’s House, where all three floors will be a colourful paradise.

From Saturday 9 April to Easter Monday, the museum will be offering a special Easter package of workshops and activities for you, your family, and friends.

Easter egg hunts You can paint Easter eggs, try your hand at Easter crafts and go on an Easter egg hunt outside in the museum’s Sculpture Park – there will also be opportunities to join the popular family tours.

More info on the museum’s Facebook page.

VISIT A BRAVE NEW PLANET ON AMAGER BLUE PLANET

Blue Planet, Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup; open Mon 10:00-21:00, Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00; under-12s: 100kr, over-12s: 185kr; denblaaplanet.dk Is your child still searching for Nemo? Well, they might just find him here at Blue Planet, northern Europe’s largest aquarium.

Visit Copenhagen’s international-class attraction and experience a world cruise under the sea for children and adults, on which you can get up close and personal with thousands of fish and sea animals.

In total there are 48 aquariums containing over 7 million litres of water.

Delightful in all seasons When it rains, enjoy the fact that on the Blue Planet you can be dry and have a fun day surrounded by water and sea animals.

The sun meanwhile brings out the best in the aquarium. On clear days enjoy the sea view and look past the Øresund Bridge to Sweden.

Or turn around and admire the aquarium’s unique and distinctive architecture, which has become an important landmark in Denmark, winning several prizes, including a RIBA EU Award and the World Architecture Festival’s Display Award.

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Lots of fun at Easter For Easter, the Blue Planet has planned a very special list of daily events for kids of all ages to enjoy. Activities both outside and inside should make you enjoy the day no matter what the weather is like.

From feeding the fish to visiting the otherwise secret part of the aquarium, you won’t have a minute to be bored. There is something new to do every half hour.

maid Show, which is performed to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Our favourites are the Gyotaki workshop, where you can print your own mule bag, and the Mer-

El Youssif )

The exact schedule of all the activities is available on the aquarium’s website. (Maria

THINGS TO DO

ART REVIEW: LOUISIANA’S 20TH CENTURY WOMAN TRIBUTE DRIPPING IN PRESCIENCE 

LOUISIANA

The chronological staging of the ongoing Sonia Delaunay exhibition at Louisiana (which runs until June 12) profiling her contribution to 20th century art and fashion lends itself to highlighting the astounding prescience of her work.

In the same way important US playwrights like David Mamet have always been ten years ahead of the game, so too was Delaunay, an extraordinary visionary whose adult life more or less bookmarked the century.

The Russian-French artist’s colourful but blurred orange-sellers and flamenco dancers in the 1910s, painted in Spain where she was doing her best to distance herself from the horrors of WWI in her adopted homeland, are evocative of the decade to follow: the Roaring 20s.

Flamenco dancer slowly coming into focus Through the way her work is presented in the exhibition, the decade to come is gradually coming into focus, and the curator should be applauded for that.

Overall, in this early part of the exhibition, you’re left with an overall visualisation of sound. After all, the silent movies of the time, which dominated the collective imagination and were influential on Delaunay’s work, did pretty much the same thing.

At the peak of her powers In the 1920s, she enjoyed a true heyday at the absolute peak of her powers as her designs for ladies fashion did the talking, draped on the jet-setters of the time.

She herself remarked at the time: “If painting has entered daily life, it is because women wore it.”

She basically wardrobed the Roaring 20s But her designs get considerably more serious as we advance into the 1930s and the WWII – past one event, the Wall Street Crash, which Delaunay uncharacteristically didn’t see coming – to the extent you can almost hear the stomping jackboots.

She survived the war and almost everything else that modern life threw at her, remaining relevant to her dying day in 1979, six years short of turning 100.

A stunning tribute to a remarkable 20th century woman, this exhibition makes you feel smart – like the viewer of a sitcom who intimately knows the characters and can predict the outcome based on their tragic flaws.

But there’s no tragedy here: only the sense we’ve witnessed the life of an extraordinary artist who prevailed despite the patriarchy whilst enjoying every single minute. (BH)

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HOW TO MAKE ...

GÆKKEBREV Paper Scissors Card, envelope & stamp 1 Take a piece of paper, the fancier the better, and fold it a few times until it’s roughly the size of a mobile phone.

2 Cut patterns in it. A few triangles here, a few squares here. Unfold and behold! You didn’t know you were that talented, did you! For purists, it’s a bonus if it resembles a snowdrop.

3 Think of the most gullible person you know well – it needs to be a family member or close friend; it can’t be the checkout man at your local Netto. Grandmothers are popular targets, so if you’re kicking on, have a good idea of who your grandchild’s best friends are.

4 Write a gækkebrev (snowdrop letter): first a poem that must rhyme (including the line “Mit navn det står med prikker, pas på det ikke stikker/my name is written in dots, careful they don’t sting) and then a series of dots – one for each letter of your christian name. Disguise your handwriting and don’t attempt this if your name is Bartholomew.

5 Put the decoration and letter in an envelope (and maybe a snowdrop, unless Easter is still weeks away) and send it to your recipient.

6 Receive and eat chocolate egg should recipient not guess who sent them the gækkebrev.

7 Laugh like Muttley while you stuff your face.

EASTER LAMB

FABERGE

Joint of lamb Salt & pepper Onion Carrot Stalk of celery Bay leaf Various herbs Garlic 350ml of beer 1 Start planning well in advance of Easter, scanning the freezer sections of local supermarkets. Lamb joints, both legs and shoulders normally from New Zealand, tend to be offered on discounts and can be snapped up for half the price of a fresh joint nearer the time. Rema 1000 tend to the best bet, although my local store sold out within hours of opening last Sunday.

2 Defrost a good 24 hours in advance. Leave at room temperature and place in roasting dish. Cut garlic into slivers and push into inserts all over the meat. Sprigs of rosemary is the most popular herb of choice (remove before carving though), but other herbs will do just as well: thyme, dill, parsley, coriander. Salt and pepper generously.

3 Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius (without a fan) and cook lamb at same temperature throughout. Alternatively, you might choose to roast at 220 for the first 30 minutes and then turn it down to 160-170. Either way, give yourself three hours cooking time.

4 After 60 minutes, thinly slice onion, carrot and celery with a bay leaf and the beer and pour over the roast. With two hours until completion, this might be a good opportunity to add a few par-boiled potatoes and parsnips (save the water they were boiled in for later), if you like the final result to be crusty but on the soggy side. They’ll still be delicious but don’t overly crowd the oven dish.

5 Baste frequently and turn over vegetables after 60-80 minutes.

6 Upon completion, save juices and what remains of the onion, carrot and celery, place roasting dish on the stove, and use flour, whisk and juices to take the residue off the pan. Modify the thickness of the gravy with saved water.

7 Serve lamb with potatoes, parsnips, carrots, peas, leeks and broccoli in cheese sauce.

8 Postscript: we wanted this to be an authentic Danish dish, but let’s face it: they’re generally clueless when it comes to roasts. One of the recipes even wanted to garnish with cooked pepper, squash rings, orange slices and mint jelly. Ew!

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HISTORY

SPRINGING BACK FROM THE SCRAPHEAP MAGASIN

The eternal hoptimist has been among the nation’s favourite choice of Easter presents since 1968

JANE GRAHAM While Danish design has long had a reputation as being ’functional’, sometimes its greatest designs serve no real purpose at all, other than putting a smile on one’s face on a cold January day like today. One of its classic creations, Ehrenreich’s ‘Hoptimist’, was one such design.

The playful, plastic Hoptimist figures are round, simple shapes that are attached to a spring and simply quiver with energy. The springy mobiles were the latest craze back in the early 1970s, with amusing characters like ‘Busy Birdie’, along with later additions Bimble, Bumble and the two frogs, Kvak and Baby Kvak.

Never still in Stilling The father of all Hoptimists was Hans Gustav Ehrenreich (1917-1984), a designer from the small town of Kolind in Jutland. After moving to Stilling near Skanderborg in 1943, he set up his own business as a cabinet maker, working with a number of rare and exotic woods.

Ehrenreich’s international breakthrough came at an arts and crafts exhibition in Chicago in the 1950s, and by the mid-1960s he was established as a successful craftsman.

By 1971, Ehrenreich’s Busy Birdie was being sold all over the world from his small factory in Stilling. On the box was a poem that began: “There are other birds who use beaks and claws, but I prefer to chirrup with just as light a humour.”

Infectiously playful Within a year or two, Birdie was joined by a couple, perhaps married, whose imagined banter found its way into a marketing cartoon.

Bimble (the female of the two) and Bumble (the man) were just as springy and infectiously playful as the first Hoptimist.

The last members of Ehrenreich’s Hoptimist family were Kvak and little Baby Kvak, two jumping green frogs.

Production stopped on the Hoptimists in 1974, and with Ehrenreich’s death in 1984 it seemed as if the bouncing figures had been relegated permanently to the attic as another amusing, but forgotten diversion of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

A 21st century revival In 2009, however, designer Lotte Steffensen,

18 EASTER 2022 GUIDE

whose resume includes fashion design at Danish fashion houses Bitte Kai Rand and Red/Green, relaunched the Hoptimist brand in consultation with Hans Gustav’s son, Jørn Ehrenreich.

IMERCO IMERCO

But it was not wood, but plastic that was to be the raw material for Ehrenreich’s classic invention: a small, springy, brightly-coloured mobile he made in 1968 and dubbed ‘the Hoptimist’. Bright, primary colours were the fashion of the times, and the figure, with its large head and small feet, was drawn using only a circle and an ellipse, and then cast from the same plastic as another Danish design classic, Lego bricks.

Steffensen sees the Hoptimists as part of an extended Danish design family that also includes Poul Henningsen’s iconic PH lamps and Kay Bojesen’s wooden monkey. And while they may not appear to serve any clear function, she is convinced that the Hoptimists are as irresistible to adults as they are to children.

Ambassador of happiness Steffensen viewed Hoptimists as little mascots that spread joy wherever they’re placed.

“They’re all about smiles and a surplus of energy,” read the relaunched Hoptimist website.

“We are in no doubt at all about why we’ve thrown ourselves into producing Hoptimists.

It’s because there’s something about Hoptimists. They make people smile, inspire life and give people the urge to do something.”

Two newcomers to the Hoptimist family, the clowns Bibi and Bobo, were made the official ‘Danish Hospitals Caring Clowns’, representing an association that helps sick children across the country with humour and therapeutic care.

With Denmark’s reputation as one of the happiest nations in the world, shouldn’t it also have an ambassador that reflects that kind of happiness?

Peter Carl Fabergé, here at work, had a Danish mother

HISTORY

THE ULTIMATE EASTER EGGS

BEN HAMILTON It’s curious how history tends to discount maternal family lines when assessing nationality, but it’s come in handy for various royal families over the years, most noticeably the Saxe-Coburg and Gothas, who changed their name to Windsor in 1917, to disguise the truth that they were more German than a frankfurter sausage.

Of course, in the case of George V, the king of Britain at that time, he was more Danish than anything else, through his mother, Queen Alexandra, although that might depend on how German the house of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg was. Yes, this nationality assessment – it’s harder than it looks.

So perhaps the world can be forgiven for regarding the famous Fabergé jewellery design family as Russian, even if the bit about them being the descendants of fleeing French Huguenots is often thrown in – to explain the accent in the surname more than anything else.

But ignore the mother it does, and in the case of the creator of the famous eggs, Peter Carl Fabergé, when he asked for Mor, it was Charlotte Jungstedt, the daughter of a Danish artist, who answered in the affirmative.

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An imperial cinema The Danish connection to the eggs does not end there, as Fabergé’s main client was Russian Empress Maria Feodorovna, who’s better known in these parts as a Copenhagen cinema. To bring us full circle, if that’s possible in the convoluted machinations of 19th century European royal history, Princess Dagmar of Denmark was the younger sister of the aforementioned Alexandra of Britain and daughter of the father-in-law of Europe himself, Denmark’s Christian IX.

FABERGE IMERCO

Fabergé was as Danish as he was Russian – and so was his favourite client

And it’s even said that the eggs were inspired by one owned by a Dane too: an ivory specimen that was the property of Dagmar’s aunt, Princess Vilhelmine Marie of Denmark and Norway, the daughter of Frederick VI, which Dagmar admired (‘coveted’might a big strong in this case) as a child.

Fast-forward to 1885, and Emperor Alexander III of Russia is wondering what he should get his Danish wife to mark 20 years of marriage. Now, nobody knows for sure whether it was a complete surprise to Dagmar (we like to think that she was sleep-taking: “I had an egg in Denmark”– imagine the voice of Meryl Streep if it helps), but Alexander presented her with a golden Easter egg, which when opened revealed a golden yolk containing a golden hen containing a diamond crown.

Known as The Hen Egg, this would be the first of 50 Imperial Easter eggs (of 52 made) presented to Dagmar and her daughter-in-law Alexandra, as when Alexander unexpectedly died at the age of 49 in late 1894, his heir Nicolas II continued the tradition, but doubled the order to present

Peter Carl Fabergé, here at work, had a Danish mother

HISTORY

eggs to both his wife and his mother. In total Dagmar received 30 during her lifetime, and it would have been more if the Russian Revolution hadn’t scrambled all the gift-giving in 1917.

Did Dagmar take them?

Three of the eggs presented to Dagmar reflected her Danish heritage (see factbox): the 1890 egg, Danish Palaces, the 1892 egg, the Diamond Trellis Egg, and the 1903 egg, Royal Danish, and it is intriguing to note that the last of these was received by Dagmar in Copenhagen where she was attending the 40th anniversary of her father’s accession to the throne – hence the choice of motif. As Nicholas II wrote to his mother, he was sending “a Fabergé Easter present. I hope it will arrive safely; it simply opens from the top.”

It remains one of seven Imperial Eggs that are officially lost, and there is no record that the egg ever left Denmark. As a 2014 episode of the TV series ‘Raiders of the Lost Art’ remarked: “Something is amiss in the state of Denmark.”

Even more curiously perhaps, of the seven lost eggs, all seven were gifts to Dagmar.

When Dagmar eventually left Russia aboard the HMS Marlborough in 1919, it is speculated that several of the missing eggs might have been in her luggage. Certainly the 1916 egg, The Order of St George, was in her possession (along with two Rembrandts) as she eventually left it to her daughter Xenia when she died in Denmark in 1928. But how many of the missing seven might she have had? After all, she was the rightful owner.

Well, three of them – Cherub with Chariot, Nécessaire, and Hen with Sapphire Pendant – have been accounted for in records following Dagmar’s departure from Russia.

And another, the Empire Nephrite Egg (1902), also known as the Alexander III Medallion Egg, was listed by Dagmar’s entourage as being among her personal belongings at the Gatchina Palace in St Petersburg in July 1917. She had left the capital, never to return, a year earlier.

A 1902 exhibition gathered together Princess Dagmar’s Fabergé treasures in St Petersburg

But two of them, along with Royal Danish, have not. No post-1917 records exist of another egg with significant personal connection to Dagmar, the Alexander III Commemorative egg from 1909, as well as The Mauve (1897).

Next to Dunkin’ Donuts For many years, there were eight missing imperial eggs, but then one showed up in 2012, the 1887 edition, the Third Imperial Egg. An American metal dealer had bought it a decade earlier for approximately 80,000 kroner for its scrap value, but was then told he had overpaid for it by prospective purchasers and it sat in his kitchen for years.

Eventually he googled it, discovered a Daily Telegraph article asking if this very egg was on your mantelpiece, and contacted a London jeweller, Kieran McCarthy from Wartski, who flew out to the States to verify the discovery and pay 200 million kroner on behalf of a collector.

“It was a very modest home in the Mid-West, next to a highway and a Dunkin’ Donuts,” he told the DT. “There was the egg, next to some cupcakes on the kitchen counter.”

So the question remains: is there a Fabergé egg sitting around somewhere in Denmark overlooking a Jensen’s Bøfhus next to some stale cinnamon snails?

The Russian royals liked their eggs crystalised

Peter Carl Fabergé’s mother, Charlotte Jungstedt, was Danish

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OPINION PIXABAY

ISABELLE VALENTINE

But given the cold spell that hit the country last week, this year’s winter seems to be dragging on more than ever, and it is hard to imagine that spring really is coming when the temperatures are dropping to freezing as the calendar turns to April.

Proper holiday for all Although we live in a fairly non-religious society, it is impressive how the Danes make the most of Easter. Its sum of three national bank holidays is matched only by Christmas.

And once the chicks are too large for us to cope with, we will send them to a local farm where they will know how to care for them properly.

Hopefully this will reinforce the themes of birth, life and rejuvenation that come with Easter and the arrival of spring.

Fond farvel to winter!

Now all we need is for the weather to get warmer!

So this Easter, enjoy the five days off work that Denmark generously gives us, and hopefully we can wish this long winter a final fond farvel!

God Påske!

In the UK, where we used to live, there were just two national holidays at Easter. And in France, there is just one.

As you can imagine, Easter in Japan, where we lived 20 years ago, is not celebrated at all. Instead they have ‘Shunbun no Hi’ (Vernal Equinox Day) on or around March 20 as a day for the admiration of nature and the love of living things.

Of course, this is the essence of Easter: to celebrate the arrival of spring and the promise of months of warm and long days.

Season of new life At our preschool we explain the changing seasons to the children, and we will do traditional things such as paint eggs and hold an Easter egg hunt.

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Isabelle is the owner and director of Montessori International Preschool. She started the first preschool in 2011 in Valby and opened a second one in Frederiksberg in 2014 due to high demand. She moved to Copenhagen in 2008 with her British husband and their two children.

IMERCO

Normally Easter reminds us of the onset of spring: daffodils in the parks, longer days, newborn lambs and bunnies, and the end of the cold dark winter.

VISIT DENMARK/MATHIAS BRANDT

Somehow the first few months of 2022 have slipped by and Easter is already here.

We also use our egg incubator to fertilise some chicken eggs. The children will be able to watch them hatch and then raise the little chicks. Exciting times!

OPINION PXHERE

CONRAD MOLDEN

Easter has to be the least loved of all national holidays.

When, why, WTF? There may be chocolate eggs for children but otherwise there are no real presents, no fun costumes and no clear dates. The shops are closed (or sort-of open but not for long … we are not sure).

All events are incoherent and could involve rabbits or eggs or both, but again … no-one is sure.

And, when is it? Let me ask Google again because the system to determine this ever-moving problem holiday can only be understood by astrophysicists.

Holy crap, that’s a lot For British parents it is especially not fun. The Easter school holidays in the UK are at least two weeks long. Yes, two weeks. Fourteen full days of being home … with your children.

That is tantamount to torture.

In Denmark the school holiday period is slightly more humane: one week. The problem of isolation and rainy days do persist, but there’s worse: additional holidays. Because it is not just Påske that’s the problem here.

The holidays should be kept but distributed at times when everyone can appreciate them.

Just like feriepenge, these nine days of actual relaxation should be delivered to the citizens when they feel best via eBoks. We decide when we want to be away and with whom.

“Give os vores liv tilbage!” they will chant! People can start turning up to work and school irrespective of the nonsensical Palmesøndag or Kristi Himmelfartsdag, demanding to live normal lives no matter who wants to pretend Skærtorsdag is a legitimate thing.

IMERCO

Let the public decide!

The only reason most of us have been brainwashed into appreciating Påske as meaningful is because of the time off. With the holidays, it would be meaningless. I propose we keep the holidays, but extract Easter from the calendar like an unwanted hair louse.

There is hope for our contemporary situation, as popular opinion can be realised and policy can change. Quickly and efficiently, we can organise popular protests across the ten largest cities of Denmark.

FLICKR/ MARYLAND GOVPICS

In Denmark there are a total of nine separate national holidays that revolve around Easter.

Nine whole days: that is more days than all the other national holidays combined. This torrent of random public holidays carpet-bomb their way through the spring portion of every calendar, inevitably landing unevenly and awkwardly to ensure you have a sequence of bizarre, aggravating weeks.

And maybe the government will listen, take a leaf out of King Christian V’s book and mop up these ancient bombshells into something that resembles a real holiday. A real holiday where supermarkets are open and flight prices are not horrific.

These glorious free days should not be splattered across chilly March and not much warmer April without a thought for how anyone’s lives will make sense with wild-eyed children and an empty refrigerator.

Christian V knew it centuries ago Store Bededag is a good example of the nonsense surrounding the Danish Påske.

Apparently, in 1686, King Christian V was so pissed off with the number of small prayer days that he put everyone out of their misery and merged them.

If only he had gone a little further, Christian could have soaked up the other eight closed-supermarket-and-distressed-parent holidays into one single manageable holiday and given a fixed date.

Conrad is a 30+ stand-up comedian and father of two. He has had two one-man-shows that have toured around Denmark, ‘Danglish’ and ‘Danglish 2’, which are both streaming on TV2 Play or his website. His new 2022 show ‘Hyggelicious’ is coming in September. He is an amateur anthropologist living amongst the Danes and reporting back to his international friends. He has ambitions to lær the dansk but after nine years thinks nodding and grumbling might be a more realistic survival tactic.

His comedy is aimed at anyone seeking comfort, support or relief in this strange land.

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EASTER 2022 GUIDE

us n Joi 8 y a M am 0 9.0

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