Spotlight on Vörå, Finland: the local impact of KAJ’s Eurovision success
Arts & cultureMusic

Spotlight on Vörå, Finland: the local impact of KAJ’s Eurovision success

The Swedish-speaking Finnish trio KAJ represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest with a cheerful sauna song that was the hot favourite to win the final last May. In the end, they came in fourth – but they went from local heroes to viral international phenomenon, transforming their home village in the process.

Rising stars Erkki Virkkala and Iikka Huntus: These young fiddlers carry on Finland’s pelimanni folk music tradition
Arts & cultureMusic

Rising stars Erkki Virkkala and Iikka Huntus: These young fiddlers carry on Finland’s pelimanni folk music tradition

In the small town of Kaustinen, a hotspot for Finnish folk music, two young musicians are making waves. Erkki Virkkala and Iikka Huntus are part of a new generation keeping the pelimanni (folk music) tradition vibrant, blending skill, creativity and a love of playing together.

Only local sources: A Finnish chef creates acclaimed cuisine in a small town
Life & societyCuisine

Only local sources: A Finnish chef creates acclaimed cuisine in a small town

When chef Remi Trémouille returned to his roots in Eastern Finland he discovered the importance of a strong local community. All ingredients in his kitchen come from nearby producers, which means the menu sometimes surprises even the chef himself.

Make air, not war: The joyfully absurd World Championships in Oulu
Arts & culturePerforming arts

Make air, not war: The joyfully absurd World Championships in Oulu

Ever dreamed of witnessing something wildly fun and just a little bit bonkers? Picture people of all ages rocking out on stage with instruments only they can see. Dancing like nobody’s watching, fully immersed in the moment. This is air guitar at its most serious. And most glorious.

Then and now in photos: Helsinki 50 years after the Cold War summit
Life & societyHistory

Then and now in photos: Helsinki 50 years after the Cold War summit

As Finland hosts an anniversary event marking 50 years since the historic OSCE summit and the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, we return to the city streets where history happened. Paired images show iconic Helsinki locations in 1975 and 2025, offering a glimpse of how much has changed.