From the art exhibitions to rugby tournaments to Halloween celebration, check out InOut's top picks for events this week.
On Why the Danes Smile
Copenhagen Cultural Center, Drejervej 13-15, Cph NV; starts Nov 8 (opening 16:00-20:00), ends Jan 31; open Mon-Thu 09:00-15:00, Fri 09:00-12:00, Sun 10:00-17:00
Recognised Serbian painter Dragana Debaljakovic asks provocative questions about Danish culture and broader society through her vivid paintings. On Why the Danes Smile is critical of the Danish ‘courtesy’ smile that often serves as a rejection rather than an invitation for a conversation. Having moved to Denmark in 2008, Debaljakovic is fascinated by the Danes: they are the happiest people in the world, but upon closer inspection have a “sour smile due to pent-up anger”, she explains. Alongside portraits of smiling Danes will be a space for audiences to write their impressions of why the person in the painting is smiling. Meanwhile, starting one day earlier at her studio at Nygårdsvej 52, in Østerbro, her exhibition The Most Natural Thing in the World looks at the increasingly widespread fad of young women amputating parts of their labia to appear ‘little-girl-like’ below. Debelajkovic has painted more than 50 women’s genitals and hopes to highlight the beauty in all parts of the female body and encourage positive self-esteem.
Mystikkens Universe
Østerbrohuset, Århusgade 103, Cph Ø; starts Fri, ends Sun, open Fri 12:00-18:00, Sat & Sun 10:00-18:00; tickets: day pass: 85kr, festival pass: 180kr, under-12s free adm with an adult; www.daninfo.dk/koebenhavn-mystikkens
Mystikkens is all about the unknown and the eerie. Featuring clairvoyants, UFO experts and even a lecture about spirituality and money, there are many exhibitions you can visit during the three-day fair. Just remember to keep your mind open so your aura won’t be negative, and leave your trekkie outfits at home.
Mexican Day of the Dead
National Museum, Ny Vestergade 10, Cph K; Sat 18:00; www.natmus.dk
Dia de Muertos is a day in Mexico on which family members traditionally honour their dead. They gather and build altars with sugar skulls and the favourite foods and beverages of the departed souls. This year, a workshop will give kids the opportunity to colour their own clay skull and decorate the traditional altar with poems or flowers. A ten-minute film by director René Castillo, depicting the Mexican relationship with death, will be shown in the cinema and you can visit a make-shift Mexican cemetery to see the contrast between Danish and Mexican cultures. If that’s not enticing enough, you can try Mexican dishes and cocoa. That’s what got me convinced.
Hubertus Hunt
Peter Lieps Hus, Jægersborg Dyrehave, Klampenborg; Sun 10:00; free adm; www.hubertusjagt.dk
A tradition dating back to 1401, the Hubertus Hunt is now a gruelling race for 160 riders over an obstacle course that’s 13km long. Perhaps the most interesting obstacle is the Magasindammen Ditch, where only the best of riders will avoid falling into the murky water. It’s bound to be a festive celebration for the more refined sportsmen that don’t just want to watch cars going round in a circle.
Danish Rugby League: East vs West Rematch
Løjtegårdsvej 58, Kastrup; Sat 13:00; free adm
The second clash of 2013 between Copenhagen RLFC and Jutland RLFC will take place on Saturday. In the first East vs West match played in June, Copenhagen defeated Jutland 44-14, and ever since, the Jutland team have been preparing for a rematch.
Edith Tamayo & The Catrinos
Global Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 7, Cph N; Fri 22:00; Tickets: 50-70kr; www.globalcph.dk
Mexican singer Edith Tamayo has a special Day of the Dead repertoire prepared. She will be playing with Trypical Cumbia, who on this night are playing as ‘The Catrinos’. The doors open at 21:00. And DJ duo Cumbia Dealers and support band Kolectivo Newen will keep the party going. I suggest you go early. From 19:00, in the courtyard, there will be tequila shots and more.
Yul Anderson Double Bill
Bellevue Theatre, Strandvejen 451, Klampenborg; Sun 19:00 & 21:00; tickets: 200-520kr
Multi-talented artist Yul Anderson plays two different concerts, one after the other. From 19:00, the Solo Piano Experience, and from 21:00, he plays Jimi Hendrix.
Centralhjørnet Xmas Market
Kattesundet 18, Cph K; Fri, Sat & Sun, 16:00-19:00
It may be a little early, but this market has just come from Frankfurt with unique and beautiful things, so start your Christmas shopping early.
CPH Street Festival
Pasteursvej 10, Cph V; Sat 11:00-17:00
Hip-hop battles, freestyle snowboarding, graffiti workshop and more activities.
