Finlandia Foundation Northland celebrates Juhannua the Finnish way
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On Saturday June 24, the Finlandia Foundation Northland celebrated this year’s Finnish Juhannus-midsummer at Sampo beach on Little Grand Lake.
The family friendly event was free and featured traditional and contemporary Finnish activities, craft and vihta/vasta (a sauna whisk made out of birch branches) music, swimming, and a sauna.
In an interview, the chair of the foundation Mary Lukkarila says the event is not exclusive to Finnish people only but open to all people from around the world.
The holiday of Juhannus – Midsummer is Finland’s main national holiday and is recognized each June with celebrations all over Finland. Juhannus traditions include bonfires, cookouts, sauna and spending time together with friends and family.
The Sampo Beach event is organized by Finlandia Foundation Northland, a 501c3 non-profit which is part of Finlandia Foundation National, providing scholarships and support for Finnish music and cultural activities.