RE U m LT he T U l C cia N RK e p A S VI MA A N N DI DE N – A SC e:
With 80,000 participants and 200,000 spectators, the Aalborg Carnival is a festival of giant dimensions.
Europe’s happiest carnival The Danish summer boasts an exciting programme of cultural events and festivals, and one of the season’s absolute highlights is the Aalborg Carnival, the biggest carnival in the Nordics. Extending over the last two weekends of May and comprising 85,000 active participants in three large parades, the festive event makes the perfect occasion for a visit to Aalborg, Europe’s happiest city. By Signe Hansen | Photos: Aalborg Carnival
With 85,000 active participants and more than 200,000 spectators, Aalborg Carnival is among the world’s ten biggest carnivals. But what makes the carnival stand out is not just its size, but also the distinctive, cheerful atmosphere intrinsic to its home city, Aalborg. Known for its charming cobblestone streets, new waterfront and lively nightlife, the regional capital was nominated as Europe’s happiest city last year. 28 | Issue 98 | March 2017
“One of the most noticeable qualities of our carnival is the fact that all our participants are extremely cheerful and thoughtful – everyone is helping each other out. It’s quite unique; no matter which way you turn, you’ll be met by a smiling face,” explains Kresten Thomsen, head of the member-driven organisation behind Aalborg Carnival. “Aalborg has gone through an almost magical change; through the last ten years, it’s trans-
formed from a rather plain industrial city in the north of Denmark to a modern cultural hub. It means that today our inhabitants don’t have to look with envy at other cities in Denmark or abroad but feel an enormous pride in Aalborg and its expression.” Truly, the very existence of the carnival relies on this general goodwill, as guests are not charged an entrance fee but instead encouraged to buy the carnival’s loyalty wristband.
A carnival for everyone Spread out over two weekends, Aalborg Carnival is not just one but three major events. Taking place on 19 May, the first parade is the International Parade, which sees carnival groups from all over the world treat spectators to a magnifi-