A Cultural Extravaganza

One of the most fantastic events in Stockholm’s cultural calendar is the annual Culture Night. A unique concept to ensure the greatest participation of enthusiasts across a myriad of events held all over the city on a spring day, usually in late April. It is a hugely popular event and caters to diverse interests and tastes, to young and old alike; the most important factor behind its immense popularity is the idea to do away with all the usual entrance fees that are normally associated with such events during any other period of the year. In a grand welcoming gesture, museums, opera houses, art exhibitions, music concerts, dance performances and even the royal palace open their doors to the public, who can enjoy it all without having to burn a hole in the pocket. However, since this event happens for only a short timeframe (6 in the evening until midnight) and there are usually close to a hundred events and attractions listed on the festival’s official page, it demands careful and judicious planning to pick out the top ones according to one’s personal choice.

I was quite lucky to have attended this gala in April 2012; needless to say it was a one-of-a-kind event and the experience was immensely rewarding. Together with my friends, we had prepared an itinerary to make the most of the evening. 

 Our first stop was the ‘Stadshuset’ or the City Hall. One of the most magnificent structures in Stockholm, situated at the waterfront, its high tower being a most distinctive feature of the city skyline, the City Hall is also one of the most important buildings in ways more than one. Among its many claims to fame is that it is the venue for the Nobel banquet where the awardees meet the King, Queen and other dignitaries of Sweden. Walking in the footsteps of the Nobel laureates through the stunning Blue Hall, the Golden Hall; it was a lifetime experience indeed! 

Next in line was an Opera!  The fact that it was performed in Swedish didn’t deter us from relishing the experience whole-heartedly. It was, simply put, amazing. Till that time whatever I had seen of opera were restricted to some scenes from old Hollywood movies; so it was a fantastic feeling to actually enter a grand opera house, be greeted by the impeccably dressed ushers, listen to the orchestra play as the curtains parted, and watch transfixed as the stage came to life in a spectacular burst of songs, colours and fancy dresses as the actors put up an exciting performance. 

After the musical extravaganza, we headed to the Medieval Museum. It boasted of some intriguing displays from the Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations, transporting us to the world of myths and legends, of Greek and Roman gods and Egyptian pharaohs. Sculptures, paintings, pottery, porcelain, mummies – it was quite a fascinating collection.

After that it was time for some music, albeit of a different flavour. We found this nice, cosy place where a Flamenco show was being staged. It was a riveting performance, high in energy, with infectious beats and rhythms; music reaching a crescendo, twirling, swaying skirts rustling up a storm, some fantastic bits of tap dancing; and everything lapped up by an appreciative audience.

Now it was time for the evening finale, as it was drawing close to midnight – the Cinderella hour when all the festivity and gaiety would cease to be. And what better way to bring down the curtains on a spectacular evening than a torch-lit tour of the Royal Palace. As the long queue waited patiently in front of the palace entrance, each of us were handed a torch by the palace guards, in preparation for our nocturnal palace tour; again quite an innovative concept, and one specially arranged for the Culture Night only. So in we went, down the long, dark corridors into the various halls and chambers, with the dim, subdued lighting only adding to the excitement of it all. Rows and rows of tapestries and paintings hung on the walls, ornate ceiling and floor patterns, embellished furniture, beautiful sculptures, glass-enclosed displays of royal memorabilia, emblems, badges, coat-of-arms and numerous other antiques. The palace tour was rounded off with a wonderful piano recital by the royal musician.  

Stockholm is a city which has something to offer for everyone, it caters to diverse tastes, hobbies and interests;  the efforts of the city administration demand the highest praise for arranging such events and caring enough for the general public to do away with the entry charges to museums, opera and other attractions to ensure maximum participation. Surely the Culture Night has grown to be one of the most popular events in the city, enjoyed by one and all.