May 28 2008
experience Finnish Midsummer celebration on 19-21 June
This year, Finnish midsummer celebration is celebrated during 19-21 June. Midsummer is a celebration of light. It marks the summer solstice, the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and concurrently the beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere. For us living in the northern hemisphere, it signifies the longest day of the year where in the sun almost never sets. You can expect 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle.
In Finnish, this event is known as Juhannus with reference to the Feast of St John the Baptist. Juhannus is also Finland’s Flag Day where in flags are raised at six in the evening on Midsummer’s Eve until nine in the evening of the following day.
How is it celebrated? A typical celebration will consist of Midsummer bonfire (or kokko) which is associated with beliefs concerning fertility and purification. There will also be merrymaking, drinking, dance and music. Finns at this time would like to travel towards the lakeside, forest or summer houses to feel at one with nature on Midsummer Eve. But for those who are in the city, there are celebrations to be enjoyed as well. Take for example in Pori, Finland, the midsummer festival will be held at Kirjurinluoto Arena on 19-21 June. So after a visit at the housing fair in Reposaari, stay for a while in Pori and experience midsummer festival in the city.
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that sounds interesting. i might be able to attend the event. hehe
thanks for the useful info!
oh… you really have 24 hours of sunlight? hehhehe that’s cool.. no sleeping..
ahh so this is the festival you’d like us to attend… we’ll be there, God willing. Thanks for your thoughtfulness, but i’d like to see the children most of all!
[…] midsummer which will be held on 19-21 June 2008, the city of Pori will be considered as the largest festival […]
[…] first Maria, the first cute of the family! So we’ll celebrate it when we’ll be there for the Midsummer Festival, God willing […]