Aalborg Carnival at risk as city council debates Kildeparken preservation

Each year, Aalborg attracts thousands of carnival enthusiasts, with around 30,000 participants gathering for the grand celebration in Kildeparken, located in the city center. However, this tradition may be at risk as the Aalborg City Council debates the potential preservation of Kildeparken. Such a decision could require the carnival to scale back operations and occupy less space.

Jeanett Kaare, spokesperson for Aalborg Carnival, expressed concerns over the impact of the proposed plan, stating that Kildeparken is fundamental to their business model. The park serves as a crucial revenue source for the event, and any restrictions could jeopardize their operations.

Despite the carnival’s expansion throughout the city, Kildeparken remains essential for its financial success. Council member Anna Aaen (EL), responsible for Climate and Environment, is hopeful for a resolution that allows for both tree preservation and continued carnival festivities. She emphasized the importance of protecting the city’s limited green spaces, including the historic trees in the park.

Conversely, Jan Nymark Rose Thaysen (V), the Council member for City and Land, argues against jeopardizing the carnival’s future over environmental concerns. He believes the event contributes significantly to Aalborg’s global recognition and should coexist with nature without overly restrictive measures.

While several political groups, including the Social Democrats, the Radical Left, and others, advocate for further development of a new local plan for Kildeparken, the Venstre party and the Denmark Democrats oppose it. The city council has temporarily returned the preservation proposal to the Urban and Land Management Department in hopes of finding a solution that accommodates both the carnival and tree protection.