Juhannus (Midsummer Festival)

The first one in the Top 10 Most Famous Festivals in Finland that Toplist would like to introduce to you is Juhannus. Juhannus is Finland's largest traditional summer celebration. Long days and the midnight sun are popular in Nordic countries, and this is the time to celebrate the longest and brightest day of the year, as well as the official start of the summer season.

Many beliefs and magical stories surround the Finnish "nightless night," as it is also known. This is the night when witches, fairies, and elves visit the human world to tease and foretell their fortunes. There are many old traditions for this holiday that are still practiced today. One example is the construction of a 'kokko,' which is a large bonfire usually located near water.

Another custom is to adorn houses and doorways with birch trees and flowers. People used to decorate their cattle for good milk production in the past. The midsummer festival used to be known as the Ukko, the God of Thunder, celebration in the country's east. He was the primary god in pagan times, as he was in charge of the rain and harvest.

Midsummer festival are now a mix of fire and water, traditional folk music and songs, dancing, and simply having fun. The majority of Finns spend these days in their summer cottages near a forest and a lake. Every city has a massive bonfire to bring people together for large celebrations. This holiday is observed annually between the 20th and 26th of June, during the year's longest day.

Joensuu and Rovaniemi are two of the best places to experience authentic Midsummer festival in Finland. Many people, however, prefer the capital city. Traditional celebrations take place away from downtown Helsinki, specifically on Seurasaari island or outside of the city in Porvoo. Meanwhile, some people choose to stay in the city center, which is less crowded than usual on these days.

Takes place: June