Colors of Kristianstad - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local people are very calm and restrained so it's almost impossible to see any manifestation of turbulent emotions on the streets or in public places. However, they are not indifferent to lush and noisy holidays, in the days of which the city plunges into the fun-filled extravaganza. Local residents treat all guests of their city carefully and respectfully, not a single question, not a single request for help will be ignored here.

As noted by many foreign travelers, one of the most striking character traits of the townspeople is strict adherence to the rules established in the city. Kristianstad is known for its order and cleanliness, the maintenance of which gets a lot of attention and efforts. Any violations are immediately reported to the police by passers-by, even if it's really none of their business. This kind of socially responsible behavior is not considered shameful at all, therefore, tourists should follow their example and observe the established norms with due attention.

Some of the most serious fines in the city are for littering. Respect for nature is another important side of local culture. Fishing is one of the favorite pastimes for Kristianstad residents, they also love picnics and all kinds of outdoor recreation. Special zones have been equipped for them in absolutely all parks within and outside the city. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Kristianstad is considered one of the most musical cities in Sweden and a permanent venue for interesting music festivals. The annual RUM-festivalen folk festival was held here for the first time in 1993. This music event is attended by performers from around the world.

Student bands also perform during the festival so it always attracts a lot of young people. In recent years, the festival program has expanded significantly. Now string ensembles and symphony orchestras are taking part in it, and a special conducting competition is held within its framework. A large part of musical performances can be visited free of charge. The beautiful musical event is usually held in the first half of the summer.

In August, Kristianstad hosts a traditional jazz & blues festival, which is participated by representatives of many countries. The city is well-known to rock fans for the Rockfest Festival, in which both world-famous performers and young beginners take part. Since most festivals are held in the summer, a significant part of the performances takes place in the open air. Special grounds for musicians are equipped in city parks and squares. If you cannot visit the city during one of these festivals, do not be upset. Just go to one of the local parks where street musicians and artists perform almost every day in the summer.

City parks themselves are an important part of the local culture and many tourists can be surprised with how clean and well-kept they are. One can walk only along the paths, and smooth green lawn is designed exclusively for aesthetic purposes, not for picnicking. An interesting feature of the parks is the birds living here - at every step one can see peacefully walking geese and ducks. Birds often wander onto the paths, which should be necessarily taken into account by all cyclists.

Even on the city streets, there is always a place for wonderful natural decorations. In the summer, gardeners shape very beautiful flower beds with intricate patterns. Searching for such original flower beds is a very popular entertainment for tourists, many landscape decorations form a single whole with monuments and sculptures. Such a harmonious and picturesque atmosphere of the city is nothing but the embodiment of a measured and restrained lifestyle.

Despite the fact that Kristianstad residents consider beer to be one of their main national drinks, their attitude to alcohol consumption is very moderate. It is sold only in specialized stores, drinking alcohol in public places is strictly prohibited, with the exception of restaurants and bars. If in a restaurant you see people having a glass of wine with dinner, you can be sure they are not locals. Local residents can afford alcohol only on holidays and only occasionally on weekends, while drinking on weekdays is not acceptable at all. Kristianstad would be a good destination for travelers who like to spend time in small towns with a relaxed atmosphere.