Denmark: Alborg Carnival off to a Grand Start

from Shanthi Lobo- Denmark

Denmark, May 21: Carnival in Aalborg, Denmark, is the largest carnival in Northern Europe with up to 25,000 active carnivalists participating  in the Grand Parade, around 70,000 spectators along the route and a large number of international carnival groups competing in the Battle of Carnival Bands. The Grand Parade is followed by a massive party in the city park, Kildeparken.

In 2007, Carnival in Aalborg celebrates its 25th anniversary. It is a one week (19 – 26 May) grand celebration. The theme of this year’s carnival is "Masquerade". The notion of "Masquerade" is often associated with classic carnival traditions, but it holds a large number of other associations as well.

Masquerade is about turning the world upside down, for which reason masquerade is a lot more than just putting on a mask; both carnival and masquerade are about changing your identity and being somebody else than the person you are in everyday life. Also, the notion of masquerade is surrounded by both mystery and magic.

Childrens' carnival was held on Sunday May 20.  Hundreds of beautifully dressed little angels, accompanied by their parents, aprticipated in the grand parade.