Colors of Molde - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Molde attracts travelers with its unusual and charming atmosphere. In this city, the beautiful traditions of the past are still popular. Many hereditary fishermen live here. Molde is an interesting center of food tourism. In city restaurants, you can taste fish and seafood dishes cooked by old recipes. The city is famous for its food and musical traditions.

In 1961, the Molde Jazz Festival that is the oldest fest in Europe was first held here. Since 1961, the music event has regularly been held in July. Today, the jazz festival is incredibly prestigious. It is visited by performers and music addicts from all over the world. In recent years, the fest program has been extended significantly. It is no longer limited to musical performances.

During the opening of the festival, the “jazz parade” is held in the main city streets. There are over twenty platforms for jazz bands’ performances. Remarkably, famous performers, as well as young bands, take part in the fest. Here, the guests of the oldest jazz festival in Europe can have fun, take themed tours, attend conferences, enjoy interesting street performances, and buy souvenirs. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The locals are quite discreet and modest and can seem strange to many foreigners. People are accustomed to diligence and modesty since their childhood. Even wealthy people wear modest clothes and drive budget cars. Here, it is not acceptable to expose prosperity. One of the main features of a national character is integrity. The locals also love and preserve nature.

Many citizens are the members of different environment protection associations. The most favorite entertainment of local people is outdoor recreation. At the beginning of the 20th century, beautiful parks and gardens were planted here. Due to the abundance of flowers, Molde is often called the City of Roses. In Molde and its surroundings, there are a lot of beautiful parks and other places where you can walk or fish.

The other interesting feature of the locals’ temper is informal communication. Here, it is not acceptable to greet each other formally. The only exception is the interaction with the representatives of the royal family. Foreigners can think that such communication style is rude. The matter is that the idea of equality is quite typical for local culture. Age, social status, and other indicators of high status is not a reason to talk to a companion so formally.

During the year, a lot of interesting holidays are celebrated in Molde. Some of the favorite holidays here are the New Year and Christmas. Traditionally, the locals start celebrating them later than in other European cities, 24 December, the day before Christmas. This holiday is celebrated to great effect: festive dinner, lush parades, and wonderful gifts.

The main festive delicacy is lutefisk, dried cod soaked in a soda solution. It is one of the most unusual regional dishes. According to the traditions of the past, seven different kinds of pastry are served at Christmas. These days, women bake pies, buns, waffles, and cookies. On the contrary, the New Year is moderately celebrated in Molde.

On this holiday, it is not acceptable to serve a luxurious table and give expensive gifts. The locals usually exchange modest gifts and meet the New Year in city streets and squares. The brightest New Year tradition is midnight fireworks. Some of the most unusual New Year gifts are matchboxes, which are the symbols of warmth and happiness. The locals celebrate most of the traditional holidays with their families but the New Year is an exception to the rule.