The Nordic Fuzz Con conference has come to Malmö. 1,500 people, from 40 different countries, have taken on the animal costume and gathered outside Malmö Live during Friday afternoon. The participants call themselves "furries", and are people with an interest in animals of a human nature.

The event started on Wednesday and will continue until Sunday in Malmö. In addition to shaking paws with Malmö residents, the 1,500 animals will socialize, dance and play games together.

Visitors of all ages

During Friday afternoon, the conference held an open house for the public. After lunch, the dressed-up participants gathered for a parade where they showed off their costumes. There were people of all ages in the audience.

- We have done high five with a dog, says Emily Tolonen Scherman, 6, who is here with her sister and a friend.

Earlier this year, Nordic Fuzz con was organized in Stockholm, but due to a lack of space, the event had to move to Malmö where the 1,500 participants could be accommodated.

Patrik Fomin, founder of Nordic Fuzz Con, says that everyone is here for different reasons, but for many is an important aspect to be able to go into a different character.

- I do it mostly to have fun and to make people laugh, says Patrik Fomin.

Before the parade starts, all the furries are gathered for a group picture.

All costumes are unique and many are inspired by several different animals.

Patrik Fomin is one of the founders of Nordic Fuzz Con.

This is the first year that Nordic Fuzz Con will be held in Malmö. Photo: Fanny Berg