"Fastelavn" in Copenhagen

[tommykjensen]

"Fastelavn" is a bit similar to halloween just without the scary customes. And it is mostly for kids upto around 10-12 years.


Woolburr found following explanation on Wiki. Thanks Dan.

Fastelavn is a Danish holiday that is celebrated seven weeks before Easter Sunday. It originates in the Catholic tradition of Carnival, and the name derives from German Fastelabend ("night before fast"). It used be a large feast to celebrate the beginning of Lent. Today, however, it might be described as a Danish Halloween with children dressing up in costumes and trick-or-treating or gatherings treats for the Fastelavn feast.

Other traditional aspects include slå katten af tønden ("hit the cat out of the barrel"), which is somewhat similar to a piñata, except that there is a wooden barrel, which is full of candy and has the image of a cat on it. Historically there was a real black cat in the barrel, and beating it was superstitiously considered a safeguard against evil. After the candy pours out, the game continues until the entire barrel is broken. The one who knocks down the last piece of the barrel become kattekonge ("king of cats") or kattedronning ("queen of cats").

A popular baked good associated with the day is Fastelavnsbolle (lit. "Fastelavns bun", also known in English as "shrovetide bun" or "lenten bun"), a round sweet roll usually covered with icing and filled with cream. Similar buns are eaten in other northern European countries, for example the Swedish Semla.

Here is a few photos from today


http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn03.jpg



http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn04.jpg


HEY are we done yet??
http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn05.jpg


http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn09.jpg


http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn10.jpg



And a few of the spectators.

http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn06.jpg

http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn07.jpg


Chimping girls. I think this one is my favorite
http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photo2.php?n=070217_fastelavn08.jpg

[GyRob]

great shots i too like the last one best its just caught them right.
Rob.

[photoshopthis]

Number 1 is my fav too! Great shots

Crystal

[Miniflash]

Very cute shots i love all the expressions

[ajbalazic]

Looks like a lot of fun! My favourite is the the sixth one- great shot of the spectator getting into the mood.

[ABrownPhoto]

These are all really nice! I like the expressions from the "swinging" kids!

[Rumrunner]

Nice shots! Very crisp.