Colors of Malmo - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Malmo is of the greatest attraction for foreign tourists in August. The reason is that in the second half of the month the city traditionally celebrates an original and bright fest being the Crayfish Party. The matter is that crayfish fishing in local waters is forbidden till the middle of August. When the fishing is permitted Malmo witnesses a real fest as all the people are striving to enjoy the treat.

Numerous engaging events take place within the festival. Expert crayfish fishermen compete in fishing skills and show their artful gears to each other. Cooks make the most incredible dishes of crayfish the main estimators of which turn to be the festival guests. Plenty of exotic treats, engaging sporting events and the vastest choice of kids’ attractions as well as bright performances are the main entertainments to engage the participants of the festival.

This stunning event was born in the Middle Ages. In those times local people were allowed to fish crayfish only two months per year being August and September. All the year the experts of the fishing craft were getting ready for the crayfish hunting and when the period came the fishermen used the most incredible gears and tackle. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A great haul was always the reason for a fest as crayfish were considered to be one of the dainty treats. Since that time the festive feast featuring plenty of crayfish has become one of the most original national traditions. During the day the city witnesses different entertaining events and at nightfall long tables with large dishes filled with crayfish are served in the main streets and squares of the city. Everybody participating in the feast should have festive attire on – a small paper hat and an apron which one can get directly on entrance to the terrace.

The Crayfish Party lasts for at least a week. During these days the things are humming in the city night and day. One of the most popular entertainments among city visitors is hiking tour through local markets where during festive occasions one can buy many original souvenirs. The crayfish is also presented on the markets in complete variety. These are fished in local waters and brought from other countries. The bright festival featuring plenty of original traditions and rich entertaining program will be of great interest for those wishing to get to know the ethnic culture better as well as to embrace the local flavors.

The middle of August in Malmo is the time of one of the largest events in the city, called Malmöfestivalen. The multi-faceted celebration includes many bright events and attracts street musicians, actors, poets, and among them there are famous personalities (so, at one time, Timbuktu, The Ark, Aid Kit became headliners of the festival). The festival is also an attractive event because of its family-friendly atmosphere, that creates a connection between artists and visitors. The program includes a gastronomic program, musical concerts, performances, theatrical performances, and all this takes place in the Central streets of Malmo. You can visit it for free.

At the end of May, there is held a fest in Malmo for three days, all metalheads and rockers tend to visit this event. The festival is called Melodic Rock Fest Scandinavia. The venue is Slagthuset Convention centre, where three stages are allocated for the event. There is also an open-air zone near the cultural centre, where rock stars perform. Dare, Kee Marcello, Treat, former vocalist of the legendary band Nightwish Anette Olzon was among its headliners once. This is perhaps the most anticipated rock event in the entire region, opening the summer season of fun and a great pastime.

Not only Melodic Rock Fest Scandinavia is popular here, but also another festival dedicated to military bands is held at the end of May. At this time Malmö Arena attracts participants coming from all over the world and playing military music- Great Britain, Norway, Finland, and actually, Sweden itself. In addition to great music concerts, festival visitors are pleased with acrobatic shows and dance performances. It is worth noting that even those who are sceptical about military bands, quickly change their minds, only once visiting the festival, because tourists will get a real charge of positive energy here.

Art connoisseurs tend to visit Malmö at the end of September when Malmö Art Gallery Night is held. The festival involves thematic exhibitions in various cultural institutions of the city-museums, art galleries, conference centres. Swedish artists demonstrate their skills here. BUFF Filmfestival attracts a large number of tourists. It is held in mid-March and is dedicated to cinema aimed at the interests of children and young people. During the festival, Malmo cinemas show films that could not be released in Sweden. Among them are both films by Swedish directors and foreign films. Sometimes the fest shows classic movies-as it was in 2016 when the audience had a chance to watch "Infinite history", filmed back in 1984.