Rovaniemi Week begins marking Independence Centenary

The 37^th Rovaniemi Week begins today amidst various cultural programmes highlighting the year of the Independence Centenary of the country.

Taking the celebration of Finland’s 100 years of independence as the main theme, the City of Rovaniemi has completed all out preparations to organize a record-breaking number of more than 180 events during the whole week.

This year the Rovaniemi Week is jointly being organized by the city council, local organizations, associations and other partners.

Just as previous occasions, 7 days of the event will feature various concerts, exhibitions, films, theatres, outdoor activities, dance performances, open house events and many others.

“Do it together” is chosen to be the slogan of the event, where everyone can contribute to the success of the event, not solely the organizers,” said Roose Nevala, Cultural producer of the event, adding, “ this year’s Rovaniemi Week will feature a rich offering of events, and there is sure to be something interesting for everyone.”

Explaining the reasons behind celebrating the Rovaniemi week which is usually in the beginning of September, Nevala said it is a perfect time when all the international students and visitors are flocking to town for studying or visiting, while local people are already back from their holidays in somewhere else.

Moreover, autumn in Rovaniemi is quite a beautiful time of the year that would add a bonus, she added.

On the very first day, the city will offer a special thank to the elderly citizens who have built the well-beings of the country in the past. Besides, some exciting outdoor activities are also offered such as forest yoga on Ounasvaara hill, bidding farewell to migratory birds, rafting on the waters of the Vikaköngäs rapids and an event for airing Marimekko clothes, where participants are required to wear time-honoured classics or modern pieces by the legendary Finnish fashion brand.

In addition, there will be some interesting excursions and walking tours for the local people and visitors. The city offers free bus transport to the peaceful primeval forest in Auttiköngäs, where it is possible to explore the geology of the area on a tour guided by experts.

In the city center, local people and visitors can join a design walking tour, Rovaniemi 1917 by the English and Finnish speaking guides, in which they will explore local Finnish architecture and Arctic design. The walking tour will provide an insight into how the city looked like a century ago.

Another interesting topic of Sami culture will be also presented in the Friday night’s culture club. People can experience the Sami music and related historical documents.

Last but not least, the event is expected to become more interesting by the weekend, when the colorful Night of the Arts on Saturday will be held with full of unique experiences.

During the Sunday, the Taitava Lappi harvest market is definitely worth a visit where all the local handicrafts, foods and seasonal products will be on sale. Also, some famous tourist destinations like Korundi House of Culture, Artikum and Pilke museum will offer free-entrance for everyone to visit by joining a free trip on the Nätti-Jussi train.

“Almost all of the events are free of charge, so that everyone can participate without any financial worries”, Nevala added.