Traditions and everyday life in FinlandFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Finland. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
44 keepsakes from Finland · page 1 of 2
I have been celebrating one of the biggest events in this country, called Juhannus (Midsummer). And no, it's not like that arthouse movie! It was a wonderful and beautiful celebration of summer and nature. People play games…
Shared by Cherifa
Juhannus or midsummer is event in finland and atleast in sweden, where we celebrate years longest day. we call it the nightles night, because the sun doesnt set down. finnish people usually goes to theirs cabins (if they own one)…
Shared by Sirbss
When you think of Finland, you might picture a country covered in snow, with frozen lakes, forests and Northern Lights. But Finnish winter can be very different depending on where you are.In Turku, in southwestern Finland, winter…
Shared by ladyoffire
A "YO lakki" is a white, black-brimmed cap that is worn by high school graduates at the graduation party and every year after that on the first of May. The use of the cap on first of may is an old tradition. May Day marked the…
Shared by Nekoda
Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture. Going to the sauna on Christmas is also an important part of the celebration for many families (many people and families have their own sauna). One of the more peculiar and old…
Shared by Electron2
Today I went for a walk in -24°C (-11°F). The sky was a bright, clear blue, and the air felt incredibly fresh.In the first photo, you can see a small pine tree completely covered in snow. It looks like it’s wearing a thick white…
Shared by Finrandojin
In the middle of summer we celebrate the longest days of light. Yöttömiä öitä/ nightless night bc the sun doesn't go down. Usually celebrated in a big group of friends and family consists of grilling everything known to mankind…
Shared by Rat In A Dumpster
Enjoy the tropical weather and natural resources in Vietnam like having fresh coconut right on the beach. Meanwhile, welcome to one of the coldest countries in the world - Finland. But no worries, as coffee is amazing and…
Shared by audreyyngoo
I had the great fortune of studying Finnish and Nordic folk music in the village of Kaustinen, Finland, the same year its fiddle-traditions became UNESCO recognised. Kaustinen has a population of just over 4000 people, yet hosts…
Shared by lostinfinland
Mayday is celebrated in Finland as a celebration of the workforce, working class. It also celebrates the coming of summer. It is especially a celebration for students nowadays. Many do get drunk, but it also has traditions like…
Shared by Marakatti
The old town of Raahe, just like some other towns in Finland, that have and old wooden house area nearby the town center, has this Christmas calendar tradition. On December 1.-24. private people or businesses decorate their…
Shared by Virpi S
On Independence Day (6th of December), we Finns love to gather with our loved ones to watch the movie Tuntematon sotilas (The Unknown Soldier). Another perhaps bizarre tradition is Linnanjuhlat, where the president invites…
Shared by nordicberry
Many cities with castles hold a Medieval Festival every year. Most of these are held during the warm summer months or just at the beginning of Autumn. You can find medieval inspired products, food and activities. Hämeenlinna…
Shared by Paapuska
Juhannus, or midsummer festival, is an old Finnish holiday celebrated around summer solstice. It has pagan roots, but has adopted christian influence to it through the years. It is a festival dedicated to light and the sun does…
Shared by Ezmeralda
Juhannus is celebrated at the end of June when the days are longest in Finland (in Lapland it’s called the nightless night). On Juhannus people have bonfires, eat grilled food and go to the sauna or swim at midnight! Some people…
Shared by meriii
Well, I’m 50% moroccan and that’s rlly where I get all my culture from! Tajin every saturday and we celebrate all the holidays like eid. (eid is a holiday in islam). There is so much I can tell you but let’s leave that for the…
Shared by Samira
The most famous location in my city. Puijo Tower is the highest point in town and you can see a vast scenery from up there. Upon the hills where the tower is located, people also love to rest at the campsite and roast sausages…
Shared by Luneline99
I would say that everyone in finland owns at least one moomin mug! In families you might have your own specific mug that you always use. Some people collect them and it's normal to gift someone a moomin mug.
Shared by Onnenkukka
Christmas is a very important festival in Finland. People usually celebrate it with family by giving gifts, eating good food and listening Christmas songs. The Santa Claus is from Lapland, northern Finland.
Shared by Ronja.aaltonen
Salmiakki is a salty liquorice candy that is eaten especially in Finland and Sweden. It gets its special salty taste from ammonium chloride. It is black or dark brown and the classic is a diamond shape.
Shared by Viffslan
Midsummer is in June, and we celebrate it by lighting a big bonfire. In Midsummer there is a nightless night when the sun doesn’t set at all, so we can stay up late eating and drinking.
Shared by ikkna
Reindeer herds are a common sight in Northern Finland (Lapland), even in towns. The reindeers gather to more open areas in high mosquito season. In Finland this season is called: räkkä.
Shared by Mintturallaa
Avantouinti is Finnish for ice swimming, a sport enjoyed locally by many, both Finns and foreigners. Tampere has many public saunas, including the oldest one in the whole of Finland!
Shared by Lisapeta
In Tampere we have several public saunas, where anyone is welcome to enjoy the hot sauna and then swim in the ice cold lake. What a great way to relax after winter sports or work!
Shared by Shemeikka
Hiidenkirnu can be found in Finland among other places, and is a hole made by big rocks being spun in place by the water melting from the glaciers after the ice age.
Shared by Scuttered
One of the most beautiful place in Finland! This side of the city is approximately 200 years old or even more! Very fascinating place i would recommend to visit!
Shared by Charlotte3243
We love to spend time in the summer cottage and nature, near a akea and green forests. There are plenty of wild flowers, butterflies and birds. WE LOVE NATURE.
Shared by LappLady
In the village you can meet Santa, Mrs Santa and their reindeer and elves! They offer also many nice cafees, restaurants and activities like husky safari!
Shared by Mineral6Want to hear about life in Finland first-hand? Write to a penpal who lives there.
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