Aalborg Carnival
Denmark, Aalborg
Your Essential Guide to the Aalborg Carnival 2025
The Aalborg Carnival is the largest in Scandinavia, held every spring, and is said to be among the top ten carnivals in the world.
Information
When is the Aalborg Carnival 2025?
The Aalborg Carnival 2025 will take place during the last week of May, with the Grand Parade set for Saturday, May 24, 2025. The carnival spans an entire week, filled with vibrant events and activities.
Where is Aalborg?
Aalborg is Denmark’s fourth-largest city, located in the Aalborg Municipality. It’s about a four-hour journey from Copenhagen. Aalborg is an architectural gem known for its historic houses and cobblestone streets, with a history that dates back more than a thousand years.
What is the Aalborg Carnival?
The Aalborg Carnival is the largest carnival in Northern Europe, bearing a strong resemblance to a carnival you’d see in Brazil. If you live in Europe, you don’t have to fly to Brazil; instead, head to Denmark to experience a tropical carnival atmosphere with samba rhythms every spring.
The Aalborg Carnival is said to be one of the top ten carnivals in the world—an event you don’t want to miss!
Table of Contents
Why Do They Celebrate Carnival in Aalborg?
The people of Aalborg decided to celebrate the arrival of spring with the fantasy of carnival. This is an ancient tradition that traces its roots back to the pagan origins of this celebration.
How is the Aalborg Carnival Celebrated?
The Aalborg Carnival spans a week and consists of three main events: The Battle of the Carnival Bands, The Children’s Carnival, and The Grand Parade. The Battle of the Bands features carnival groups from around the world competing in a parade. The Grand Parade offers anyone the chance to join and showcase their costumes and designs. The Children’s Carnival is centered around the little ones, with a parade dedicated to them.
Throughout the week, the Aalborg Carnival becomes a festival for everyone, regardless of age. After the parades, Kildeparken hosts live music, entertainment, and food and drink stalls to help you recover from a long week of fun.
The History of the Aalborg Carnival
The Aalborg Carnival, as it is known today, began in 1982 when four locals decided to create a carnival. Their intention was to honor old traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring. This movement surprisingly attracted 10,000 people in its first year. From there, the carnival continued to grow in popularity year after year.
The International Parade / Battle of the Carnival Bands
The International Parade, also known as the Battle of the Bands, kicks off the Aalborg Carnival. This is a parade of carnival groups from around the world, competing for the title of Best Carnival Group of the Year. The groups organize an incredible parade full of colorful and exotic costumes, dances, and music.
The Burial of the Bull
The celebration begins with a sacrifice to the carnival gods. They sacrifice something very precious to them: the Cimrer Bull. A fake bull parades through the streets of Aalborg and is then sacrificed in a grand burning ceremony. The King of the Carnival collects and distributes the ashes among the crowd so that the spirit of the Bull is with everyone throughout the week.
The Bull Parade signifies the farewell to all the evil spirits and bad luck of the previous year. The bad spirits will also perish with the bull in the fire.
Children’s Carnival
This parade, dedicated to the little ones, is a magical day for the whole family. It’s a carnival where thousands of children march with their parents. You’ll see lots of fun dances and costumes, like Disney characters, superheroes, and mythical creatures. After the parade, Kildeparken transforms into a magical world full of entertainment, activities, and music for the enjoyment of all families.
The Grand Parade
The Grand Parade of Aalborg is the main attraction of the carnival. The Grand Parade features 60,000 participants and 100,000 spectators.
It begins with 15 professional carnival groups from around the world, followed by 60,000 participants.
The Grand Parade is an annual street party full of colors, fantasy costumes, songs, and music from all over the world. The parade starts from three different points, which intersect and merge into one.
This event is unique because anyone who wants to can participate. All that’s required is that you let your imagination run wild, wear a costume, and have a great time. Some of the costumes you’ll see on this day will leave you in awe.
The parade advances toward Kildeparken, where the fun continues. Kildeparken hosts an incredible after-party with live music, entertainment, food, and drinks. About 30,000 people attend this after-party, which you’ll definitely want to be part of.
The Route of the Grand Parade of Aalborg
The Grand Parade of Aalborg starts at three different locations and begins at three different times. The first parade begins at Nørresundby Torv at 10 AM.
The second parade, Skat, starts at the end of Østerbro at 10:30 AM.
The last parade starts at the square in Haraldslund Vandkulturhus at 11 AM.
The three parades meet at Vesterbro and all head toward Kildeparken.
How Much Does the Aalborg Carnival Cost?
To participate in the Children’s Carnival of Aalborg, you must purchase a wristband, which will cost around €7 per person and give you access to Kildeparken, where you’ll find plenty of entertainment, activities, and music. Children under 2 years old receive free access to Kildeparken.
To participate in the Grand Parade, you’ll need to pay €20. Tickets will be available on the official website. You can also buy them on the day at sales points around the city. You’ll receive a wristband that gives you access to Kildeparken for the after-party and free access to public transport.
What Should I Wear to the Aalborg Carnival?
Everyone wears a costume—the people of Aalborg excel at this. The Aalborg Carnival always selects a theme for the carnival, and you can choose whether or not to dress according to it.
How to Get to Aalborg?
Flights are scheduled from Copenhagen to Aalborg. You can also take a train from Copenhagen, which takes about 4.5 hours and departs every half hour. There are also many buses, or you can simply drive, which will take between 4 and 5 hours from Copenhagen.
Where to Stay in Aalborg?
There are 1,800 hotel rooms available in Aalborg, so you have plenty of accommodation options. Of course, prices are higher during the carnival, and it’s necessary to book in advance to secure a reservation.
How to Get Around Aalborg?
It’s very easy to walk around the center of Aalborg on foot. If you’re a bit further from the city center, there are numerous local transport routes you can take. You can also use a taxi or Uber to get around. It’s very easy to navigate this beautiful city.
Now it’s your turn to come and enjoy the carnival!
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