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Cultural Beat
Contrast is the main ingredient in Finnish cultural life, probably because everything looks and sounds different from our northern perspective. This may explain heavy metal music played on cellos and films almost completely without dialogue.
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Night of the Arts
Every year in August, the streets of Helsinki are filled with art enthusiasts, performance lovers and the culturally curious as the annual Night of the Arts begins. This integral and intriguing part of the Helsinki Festival, the largest arts festival…
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Midsummer – Go Peaceful or Go Party
Midsummer is a main national holiday in Finland, and is spent either relaxing or celebrating.
Cultural Beat
DIG FINNISH DESIGN
Linear functionality and simplistic beauty are phrases often used to describe Finnish design. From furniture and decorations to glassware and everyday tools, Finland’s designers have always been inclined to make items that work and look good.
VISIT THE REAL SANTA CLAUS
Everyone knows who he is, but how many can say they’ve been to his home? Meeting Santa Claus at his house in Finnish Lapland is every child’s dream. Even adults can’t resist being taken in by the magical atmosphere of the Arctic Circle during Christmas.
WITNESS THE CLASH OF ARCHITECTURES
Finland’s unique architecture is a constant visual reminder of the country’s position as a barrier between the East and the West.
JAZZ, METAL, INDIE, OR HIP HOP – BE FESTIVE
Believe it or not, Finland is the place to go for festivals. From numerous rock, jazz, opera and folk festivals to chamber music and theatre events, there’s always a party going on. Of course, you already know the sun never sets…
TASTE ‘SALMIAKKI’ AND ‘LÖRTSY’
Salmiakki is a salty liquorice sweet that is black or dark brown in colour. Lörtsy is a thin, half-moon shaped meat pie originally invented in Savonlinna, eastern Finland. We know they sound strange, but you’ll love them both.
COMPETE IN THE WEIRDEST EVENTS ON EARTH
From mobile phone throwing to wife carrying, swamp football to air guitar, table drumming to rubber boot throwing… the list goes on. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, it’s silly, and it’s a great excuse for a party!
DISCOVER THE LATEST FASHION TRENDS
Yes, Marimekko is the crown jewel, and you might have heard of Nanso and Halti, but there’s quite a buzz beyond the mainstream. IVANAhelsinki and Hanna Sarén are perhaps the best-known of the younger, expanding fashion companies.
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Cultural Beat
