Event: Denmark - Copenhagen

Christiania's Birthday

When:	26 Sep 2007 (annual)
Where:	Christiania

Every September Christiana, the self-governing district in the heart of Copenhagen, celebrates its anniversary. Many of its founding members may have moved away, but their dream of a life lived in freedom, and the idea of a city ruled by its inhabitants, still continues more than 35 years after it began. The dream has been under attack in recent times, but a fighting spirit continues amongst the 800 or so who live here.

The story of Christiana is a long and colourful one - replete with battles, peace and political intrigue. It began in 1970, when a group of Danish hippies knocked down the fence on the corner of Prinsessegade and Refshalevel, very near to the Grey Hall. They were desperate for a space for their children to play in, as well as something green to look at. There began an immigration of all types of "new age thinkers" into the area, and a fraught dialogue with the government, police and social services was set on course.

The legal status of Christiania within Denmark is still being defined, and violent events in 2007 have highlighted an ongoing struggle between the Danish government and local residents. There are no laws as such, but a number of bans are in place - and as a visitor they will bind you as well. They aren't too onerous: no hard drugs, no weapons, and no violence.

This is a fascinating place to visit - either as part of a guided walking tour, or by wandering through its streets alone - it's not big and one day would be enough. Freetown (as it's sometimes called) is, effectively, an open recreation area, and at its heart sits the hub of activity, while to the north, near the moat, the business fades out and the rural life begins. There's plenty on offer to entertain the visitor. Craft shops, musical events, pottery workshops, edgy night spots and vegan food aplenty - not forgetting of course the open trade of hashish, which attracts a healthy crowd of young Danes and tourists alike. Clearly Christianites are used to the wide eyes of visitors, but one should remember that it is actually a home for many people more than it is a living museum.

Whatever time of year you visit Christiania (and if you are in Copenhagen, there's no excuse to miss it), there's always something going on. But there's bound to be some serious partying on 26 September, when the little commune celebrates its birthday.