STOCKHOLM, Mar. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Danes have begun the countdown to the celebration of H.C. Andersen's 200-year anniversary.

    Hans Christian Andersen lived to see his fairytales earn him worldwide fame and the favors of princes and dignitaries. Most importantly, he wrote his way into the hearts of generations of children, many of whom will celebrate the author's 200-year anniversary next weekend.

    According to Ritzau news bureau, Denmark plans to celebrate the life and works of one of its most prodigious sons from April 2 to Dec. 6 with events around the world. Most of them, however, will be centered around Copenhagen and the author's birth town of Odense.

    On H.C. Andersen's bicentenary on April 2, 13 of his most beloved fairytales will be interpreted and performed at a giant festival, labeled 'Once upon a time,' in Copenhagen's biggest sports arena, Parken.

    The anniversary is one of the biggest cultural projects in the country's history, and is not only aimed at celebrating H.C. Andersen's legacy, but also to draw attention of tourists and investors to the country of his birth.

    Critics of the anniversary celebration have denounced the festival program as mediocre, and said more attention should be given to H.C. Andersen's works than marketing him as a tourist attraction.

    The author's fans, however, seem undaunted by the criticism as 30,000 tickets have been sold to the show. Enditem