I haven't spent anything like as much time in Scandinavia as I would like to. I have a bit of a crush on the region. I adore Scandinavian design principles, the people are charming if too geneticaly gifted for my liking - why do they get olive skin And blonde hair And to be tall and slim? - and I admire them for their socially developed ways of thinking and political governance.
Some of the lovely artwork for sale. Owls, horses and reindeer.
I went along to the festival, however, in anticipation of the food.
Delicious Norwegian waffles with jam and browned goats cheese.
Swedish lollies and Danish pastries.
A couple of girlfriends and I arived nice and early before the sun got too hot and the waffles ran out. The festival was held in Austin Street Newstead, outside the doors of the Danish Club. There were market stalls, Norse huts and traditonal dancing.
Beautiful traditional crafts.
By 11 the streets were packed and the lines for the roast pork sandwiches and icecream stretched through the street. I think the festival was a lot more popular than the organisers anticipated. But if the annual success of Paniyiri and Oktoberfest show anything it's that we love to celebrate all the diverse cultures that make up our national fabric. I hope the clubs count this first year as a huge success and maybe next year will be bigger. And in a park with shade.
Brisbane's first Scandinavian Festival: a great day out.
There were scores of people in traditional costume or else in national colours.
Boys playing what looked to be a traditional version of chess and main stage entertainment.
