Criticised by many, glorified by more: Free State Christiania celebrates its 50th birthday

Christiania has not only been a tourism hotspot for many years, but an example for how alternative living can look like

In case you’ve been wondering recently why there have been parades of colourfully dressed people with funny hats cycling cargo bikes on Copenhagen’s streets recently, you are in for some clarification.

September 26 marked Christiania’s existence for half a century, and the celebrations ended up being enjoyed by not only the citizens of the Free State but also tourists and congratulators from all over Copenhagen and beyond.

While the parade dedicated to the 50-year anniversary roughed up the capital on Wednesday, a festival was held from Friday until Sunday within the borders of Christiania.

the festival offered a whole conglomerate of activities, including panel debates,  communal dinners and, of course, music concerts.

The charismatic flag of the Free State. The three dots symbolise the three ‘I’s in Christiania 

1971 and onwards
When the Danish military began to clear a barracks in the district of Christianshavn back in the late 1960s, those who soon became the founders of the Free State saw it as a chance to make it a home free of social constraints.

On September 26 in 1971, the Free State was officially proclaimed.

No place like Christiania
As if its history wasn’t striking enough, Christiania itself is far from being like your standard neighbourhood.

The citizens believe in self-regulation, so no need for a police force! They prefer to legislate via assembly when required. A total majority is needed to make a binding decision.

Rather a poster without an event than an event without a poster
Honouring the Free State and its very own way of expressing art, Kunsthal Charlottenborg currently has an exhibition dedicated to Christiania’s historic posters.

The exhibition, which also includes documentary footage screened in the gallery’s cinema, will continue until November 14.




  • Young Copenhageners supply study grants by selling cocaine

    Young Copenhageners supply study grants by selling cocaine

    In recent years, the spread of cocaine has accelerated. The drug is easily accessible and not only reserved for wealthy party heads. Copenhagen Police have just arrested ten young people and charged them with reselling cocaine

  • 5 Mistakes I Made When I Moved to Denmark

    5 Mistakes I Made When I Moved to Denmark

    Here are five mistakes I made that helped me understand that belonging isn’t a strategy—it’s a practice. This isn’t a story of struggle—it’s a reflection on growth, told through the lens of emotional intelligence.

  • Analysis shows that many students from Bangladesh are enrolled in Danish universities

    Analysis shows that many students from Bangladesh are enrolled in Danish universities

    Earlier this year, the Danish government changed the law on access for people from third world countries to the Danish labor market. Yet, there may still be a shortcut that goes through universities

  • Danish Flower company accused of labor abuse in Türkiye

    Danish Flower company accused of labor abuse in Türkiye

    Queen Company, a Denmark-origin flower producer with pristine sustainability credentials, is under fire for alleged labor rights violations at its Turkish operation, located in Dikili, İzmir. Workers in the large greenhouse facility have been calling decent work conditions for weeks. The Copenhagen Post gathered testimonies from the workers to better understand the situation

  • Advice for expats: Navigating Life as an International in Denmark

    Advice for expats: Navigating Life as an International in Denmark

    Beginning this month, Expat Counselling will be contributing a monthly article to The Copenhagen Post, offering guidance, tools, and reflections on the emotional and social aspects of international life in Denmark. The first column is about Strategies for emotional resilience

  • New agreement criticized for not attracting enough internationals

    New agreement criticized for not attracting enough internationals

    Several mayors and business leaders across Denmark are not satisfied with the agreement that the government, the trade union movement and employers made last week. More internationals are needed than the agreement provides for

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.


  • “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    “It’s possible to lead even though you don’t fit the traditional leadership mold”

    Describing herself as a “DEI poster child,” being queer, neurodivergent and an international in Denmark didn’t stop Laurence Paquette from climbing the infamous corporate ladder to become Marketing Vice President (VP) at Vestas. Arrived in 2006 from Quebec, Laurence Paquette unpacks the implications of exposing your true self at work, in a country that lets little leeway for individuality

  • Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Deal reached to bring more foreign workers to Denmark

    Agreement between unions and employers allows more foreign workers in Denmark under lower salary requirements, with new ID card rules and oversight to prevent social dumping and ensure fair conditions.

  • New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    New association helps international nurses and doctors Denmark

    Kadre Darman was founded this year to support foreign-trained healthcare professionals facing challenges with difficult authorisation processes, visa procedures, and language barriers, aiming to help them find jobs and contribute to Denmark’s healthcare system