Battle of Carnival

Every year when the summer is just around the corner and the weather is not all that great, temperatures running around 15 degrees Celsius outside, and always the distinct possibility of rain, the annual Carnival, which is one of the biggest of its kind in northern Europe, are set in motion.

It's a spectacular event that draws a lot of people. Tonight the Battle of Carnival took place, this is where the professional groups deliver there show, where they demonstrate what they have worked on all winter long. You would think that an event of this kind couldn't take places in Aalborg, Denmark, but they don't call us Vikings for Nothing.

Tomorrow, every one will be out in the streets of the town, all public transportation will reach a halt, people everywhere taking part in the great party, blocking all traffic and just having a great time. Around 100.000 thousand will participate in the parade as well as audience to the spectacle.  

The first annual carnival took place in 1983, and that first year around 5000 people participated, but have since increased in numbers ever since. The message of the carnival is to welcome the new, and that for that one day the world is turned upside down. Each year a King of the Carnival is selected, this year though; it's a Queen. The mayor will present the Queen of Carnival with the City key and allow her to take over the management of the city, for one day. Later the Queen will open the Beggar Banquet where 25 vagabonds are invited to sit in the place of honour to a princely meal served by waiters with white ties and tails.

Also every year the Carnival has a theme, last year it was fairytale, due to the 100 anniversary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish storyteller. This year though the theme is exotic, erotic.  The theme is a guideline for the whole party, but it is up to the participants if they want to comply with theme.

Let the party commence.!!!!!!

http://www.karnevaliaalborg.dk/english/jetcom.htm