Colors of Bergen - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local residents are distinguished by very calm and balanced character. They are very patient and reasonable, and so they can even seem to be a bit slow to some visitors. The locals remain calm even in the most difficult situations, and for them it’s not common to raise voice even during quarrels. Honesty is a striking feature of the national character. Sellers in the local stores will never impose an unnecessary item to a buyer and will honestly say their opinion if some item doesn’t fit a potential buyer. Waiters in restaurants and cafes patiently tell their visitors about the peculiarities of all dishes they have and will surely advise the most delicious one. Bergen residents are very fond of traveling. This concerns people of absolutely all ages. Caring parents will certainly take children to a trip together with them, and retired people usually devote the biggest part of their free time to travelling. Probably, because of this fact the locals are very tolerant to visitors and are always ready to help them in case of trouble.

It should be also noted that the locals have great reverence and respect for older people. Even "informal" youth treats elderly people with respect, surprising many foreign visitors. You can talk to absolutely any subject with residents of Bergen. The only thing to remember during a conversation is not to show any disrespect for the royal family. Any awkward or ironic word can seriously offend the local residents. When local people meet each other, they usually greet by shaking hands. However, it needs to be mentioned that strong handshake is not accepted. Hugs are allowed between close friends or relatives only.

Residents of Bergen celebrate a large number of interesting national holidays. Independence Day, which is celebrated on May 17, is one of the most popular ones. On this day all main squares of the city host large festivals, theater performances and concerts. You can see cozy open-air cafes right in any step. Guests are offered to try various sweets and ice cream, but children are usually more attracted to colorful toy stores. According to one of the city’s old traditions high pillars are set on the main square. Numerous toys and souvenirs are tied to the top of these pillars. Anyone can climb up the pillar and choose a prize. During the whole day Bergen is full of colorful parades and processions. On this day the locals usually dress up in national costumes and have fun until late evening. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most famous festival in the homeland of Edvard Grieg, without any exaggeration, is Bergen International Festival. This is a colorful combination of music, ballet, opera and theatrical art, dances and performances brought together. All this forms an exciting show - everyone will find an entertainment to his/her liking here. The festival begins in late May and lasts until early June in various locations in Bergen (there are about 50 venues). Another equally popular festival is called Bergenfest. It is an open-air event taking place in the middle of June in Bergenhus Festning. Everyone can choose a genre to taste, including country, pop, rock, and blues music.

Bergen couldn't be called a major Norwegian city without a true metal festival. The event is known as Beyond the Gates. The venue is USF Verftet, and the date is the end of August. This is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Norway. In late May, the city hosts renowned jazz musicians as part of Nightjazz Festival. The venue is the same - USF Verftet. Here you can listen to both classical jazz and its modern variations as well as related subgenres.

Immediately after the jazz festival, it's time to attend Eggstock. It is a 3-day festival that gives life to many new talented performers. The event is of a competitive nature: according to its results, the best musicians sign a contract with a recording studio. Those who like experiments, including musical ones, are welcome at Borealis Festival. This is a triumph of experimental music, the event takes place in early March in art galleries and concert halls. The entertainment program, besides music, includes art installations and film screenings.

Another interesting local festival is MusicaNord. It lasts two months, beginning in late June and ending at the end of August. The event is held in honor of the most famous native of the city - Edward Grieg. As participants, the festival taking place in Korskirken is attended by eminent and talented musicians and orchestras. In early September, Håkonshallen becomes a venue for another classical music festival. We are talking about International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition, a victory in which opens doors into the new world for a novice pianist. The final concert takes place in Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester.

In mid-September, the city of Bergen also known as "The Gateway to the Fjords of Norway" gathers many cosplayers and comic-book fans. The festival, as part of which people dress up like their favorite characters, is called Raptus, and it is held in Folkets hus. Of course, it can not do without famous writers and illustrators as festival participants answering the questions of visitors. Every shopper dreams of visiting Bergen in early June. The matter is that at this time the traditional Market Day begins. The festival includes spectacular boat shows, exhibitions, competitions, and parties. At the fair, you'll find lots of hand-made products and traditional foods.

At the same time, Bergen Matfestival is ready to please all gourmets. The event is held in late August in Bergenhus Festning and its entertainment show includes holding the semi-finals of Det Norske Måltid, a culinary contest of the best chefs of Norway, as well as tasting local specialties. A special program is prepared for children, so they will not be bored either. Along with this event, there is a beer festival where you can taste the best beers by more than 45 beer companies of the country of fjords and trolls.

Bergen is also known as a city with deep fishing traditions where you can find a kind of legend of the seas - Statsraad Lehmkuhl, the largest and oldest sailing ship in the country of the fjords (built in 1914). And at the end of June, the audience observes how the "beauty" descends on the water goes in full sail. The spectacle is absolutely extraordinary. Fjordsteam held at the beginning of August in the central streets of Bergen every 3 years invites everyone to participate in musical and dance performances and look at some ancient ships and sailboats. The event is very colorful, and it's definitely worth a visit.