Greenlanders mark 50th Tivoli gathering

Greenlanders are gathering at Tivoli in Copenhagen for the 50th time, in an event that has grown into the largest Greenlandic cultural gathering outside the capital Nuuk, DR reports.

The event, Grønland i Tivoli, began in 1976 as a gathering of schoolmates who wanted to ease their homesickness. It now spans two days, with around 30,000 visitors expected this weekend.

Sidsel Møller helped establish the event and said she never expected it to continue for half a century.

“We did not think about that at all back then. We were just thinking about ourselves, as teenagers often do,” she said.

Møller said she was proud to help showcase what Greenland has to offer.

The programme includes several Greenlandic bands and singers, talks about Greenlandic culture, nature and everyday life, as well as the traditional kaffemik.

Kim Falck-Petersen, chair of the organising committee, said the celebration was more important than ever, not only because it had reached its 50th year but also because of the geopolitical turmoil Greenland is currently facing.

“This is a platform where people can meet and show solidarity, fellowship and neighbourliness. We need that in these times,” he said.