Malmö hosts Scandinavia’s biggest city festival

For the 37th time, Malmö will host the Nordics’ party of the year. The Malmö Festival attracts some of Sweden’s most popular musicians as well as local and international dancers, artists and food vendors during eight days in August.

By Malin Norman | Photos: Pierre Ekman

The Malmö Festival (Malmöfestivalen) is Scandinavia’s biggest city festival. 2022 was a record year, with a whopping 1.5 million visits over eight days. “It’s part of the city and lots of people here grew up with the festival. Some visitors are actually the 3rd generation attending,” enthuses Helena Cedrins, the festival project manager together with Peter Lind.

The first festival took place in 1985, which also makes it Sweden’s oldest city festival and a role model for many others to come. Its goal to promote local culture and business is still the same, and the festival is as always free to attend. This year marks the 37th edition of the city’s greatest party, once again offering a vibrant meeting place with live music, art installations and culture, workshops and children’s activities, culinary experiences, and much more.

Gigantic crayfish party

The festival offers a packed program with hundreds of events, including some of Sweden’s most popular bands on the main stage, which has a capac- ity of around 25,000 people, and a mix of upcoming and established local and international acts. “We’re proud to offer something for everyone – regardless of age, gender identity, language, ethnicity, religion, economy, cultural background and sexual orientation,” says Cedrins.

Every year, the festival opens with a gigantic crayfish party on the main square. Over the years, several world records have been set in the number of crayfish eaten. In 1994, festival visitors munched on 91,500 crayfish! Since the start, local band Grus i Dojjan has entertained during the crayfish party. Its founder sadly passed away last year, and this year the band will do a tribute concert with folk music, rock and country under the name GRUSET.

The Malmö Festival reflects the rich culture and gastronomy of the city. “Food is one of the festival’s pillars and the Gustav Adolf square with its 70 food stalls is one of the most popular areas of the festival,” says Lind. “Hungry visitors will have plenty to choose from, from the classic festival treat ‘langos’ to chipotle burgers and poke bowls, and much more.” www.malmofestivalen.se

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