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Who would
not like to be appointed king for a day and have the public
cheering for you? Imagine being carried through the city on your throne,
surrounded by your court, carrying out your royal duties, sitting in the place of honour, eating a sumptuous meal and handing
out prizes to the best carnival groups...
Throughout carnival history, it was common to appoint a person King of Carnival, and since 1990, this
tradition has also been a part of the Carnival in Aalborg. Many
different personalities has been crowned King for a day, but
they have all had something in common - either they have done
something special for the carnival or they have had an obvious
connection to the theme of the year. |
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Other
traditions
The tradition in Aalborg differs from other carnival traditions.
In Medieval France, one of the most miserable persons in the
town was announced King for one day. The carnival turned the
world upside
down - hence a
beggar was appointed king for one day. In some Italian
carnival traditions,
a figure that symbolized a disliked person was burned at
midnight symbolizing the liberation of this certain person -
a new beginning.
The
royal program in Aalborg
The King of Carnival begins his hardships of the carnival by
participating in the Boat Parade. At 11am on the day of the carnival, the boats leave the harbour
with the the King's ship at the head of procession. The
boats sail to the Quay
of Honour, where the King
is received by the mayor of Aalborg and
the regiment of carnival participants.
The mayor then presents the King of Carnival with the key to the city,
allowing him to take over the management of the city for one
day. In front of the parade, the King and his retinue of ladies
are lead through the centre
of Aalborg, where the participants of the carnival will pay their
homage.
After the parade, it is time for the King to experience the
atmosphere in Kildeparken and meet some of the participants. The King enjoys
the varied display of music and entertainment from the stages and
relish the
spontaneity from the lawns of the park - observes like a King does best.
Conclusively,
as the final official duty as King of Carnival, his Majesty presents the
winners of Battle of Carnival Bands and presents them with their
prizes. |
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