The culture of the world’s happiest country is coming to Altona.
Supported by Hobsons Bay council’s Make It Happen grants program and the state government’s Multicultural Festivals and Events grant program, the 55th Suomipäivät or Finnish Festival, of the Australasian Federation of Finnish Societies and Clubs, is welcoming Finns from Friday, April 7 to Sunday, April 9.
Finnish Society of Melbourne festival committee chair Tuire Karaharju-Huisman said they are “very excited“ to host a range of events, food and drink, with an expected attendance of about 300 people across a number of venues.
“We are the largest Finnish society in Australia,“ she said.
The event will include cultural performances, dancing workshops, sports workshops including mölkky and pesäpallo or Finnish baseball, a dinner dance, hobby horse racing and a wife carrying competition.
Dr Karaharju-Huisman said the event aims to celebrate Finnish culture, which is exemplified by the concept of ‘sisu’, demonstrating determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery and resilience.
Details: fsm.org.au/finnfest
