COMMENCING Sunday 2 October, Helsinki’s oldest traditional event, the Baltic Herring Fair makes itself comfortable for a week of festivities at Helsinki’s Market Square. Having been held at the start of October since 1743, fishermen from all along the South Coast of Finland arrive at the nation’s capital to sell their various products.
Events officially kick off at 11 am on Sunday when Lord Mayor Jussi Pajunen opens the market. The programme continues throughout the day, including the preparation of herring dishes on stage, a children’s programme and a performance from a brass band. Things culminate in the Herring product competitions award ceremony, with the award of the Best Marinated Fish and Herring Surprise of the Year awards.
| Baltic Herring Fair 2-8 October 7:00-19:00 Sunday to Friday 7:00-16:00 on Saturday Free Helsinki Market Square |
A smaller cousin of the popular fish that is generally found off the shores of Britain and the East Coast of North America, the Baltic herring is Finland’s most prominent catch. Other popular items on sale during the week of fishy celebrations at the Market Square include dark bread from the Turku archipelago and clothing knitted from the sheep who graze on the islands in the archipelago region.
JAMES O’SULLIVAN
HELSINKI TIMES
LEHTIKUVA - VESA MOILANEN
