Side 1-64 PDF (9 MB) - Out & About

WHAT’S ON
Danish Christmas traditions
traditions of celebrating the darkest months of the year varies around the
world, and some of the Danish festivities may appear somewhat odd. this
is a guide to understanding the Danes in November and December.
By Rasmus Malver
Before Christianity was introduced to
the Danes, celebrations were about
the coming of light. They were usually
held on the shortest day of the
year. Very few Danes still celebrate this
event, but many of the traditions have
survived.
The season of celebrations begins
in November. Julefrokosten, or ‘the
Christmas Lunch’, is the most common
form. As the hours of daylight
are few, families, friends and coworkers
met for lunch to celebrate
the holidays.
In modern times, these parties have
been moved to evening time, though
the name and the lunch menu have
remained. The guests are often treated
with the traditional smorgasbord’s
open faced sandwiches, smørrebrød,
served with (plentiful) beer and aquavit.
58 Out&abOut///NOVEMbEr 2009
Alcohol plays a central role in these
celebrations. Aquavit, in Danish
snaps, is usually served at this time of
year. It is best described as the Danish
version of vodka, and is most often
flavoured with dill or caraway.
Furthermore most Danish breweries
produce their own special Christmas
beers. Many of these are interesting
and flavourful special ales, but the
one that receives the most attention
is brewed by Tuborg. Their Christmas
beer is launched on October 30th,
with celebrations (and heavy drinking)
all over the country.
This day is called J-dag, and after
protests from schools and employers
it has been moved to Friday rather
than being held during the working
week.
If you are going out in November,
there are good chances of meeting
drunk Danes wearing blue elf hats,
courtesy of Tuborg. To get a taste
the Crazy Christmas Cabaret
the London toast theatre is a Copenhagen-based theatre
company, established in 1981 by the lovely Vivienne McKee.
Vivienne McKee disguised as
Dr. Bent van Helsingør.
By Rasmus Malver
Every year since 1982 Vivienne McKee
has written and directed a Christmas
show, which has become somewhat of
a tradition amongst many Danes.
The Crazy Christmas Cabaret prides
itself in containing elements of British
pantomime blended with Monty Python,
Old Time Music Hall, Dario Fo,
Comedia Del Arte, stand-up comedy
and Danish humour.
Though being a cabaret, the show
has a central story line, usually based
on a well-known story.
This year organized crime is the
centre of attention. The cabaret tells
of the Danish version of Christmas,
many cafés, bars and restaurants offer
the traditional menu, along a variety
of the special brews.
©iStockphoto.com
Drinking is an important part of the Danish
julefrokost. Foto: IstockPhoto.com
the story of a small Italian family, who
tries to stay on the right side of the
law.
The play is performed in English in
Tivoli from November 5th to January
9th, and in Musikhuset in Århus from
January 21st to the 24th. Tickets to
the Copenhagen show include access
to Tivoli. Tickets can be bought
at billetnet.dk.
GaY aGENDa
At out-and-about.dk under English
and then Gay agenda, you will find
updated information about gay
events, all written in English.