A whirlwind of events

In Rauma, probably everyone takes part in one event or another, or helps arrange one. We can honestly say that the selection of events matches that of bigger cities. The music scene in particular is very lively. In addition to local artists, top national and international performers often perform in Rauma.

Children have their own culture weeks, held in March and November.

Rauma is known as a festival town where you can hear anything from Finnish rock to classical music. Blues, wind bands and Irish folk music are all on offer.

Rauma Wine Days, the Rauma Fair, the Herring Fair, and a traditional Christmas Fair also bring bustle and colour to the streets.

Lace Week

The town's Lace Week has been held since 1971 in the last week of July. Lace and lace exhibitions still have a prominent role even if the festival has over the decades developed into a carnival week for the townspeople and tourists alike. In addition to music, dance and song the traditions include a Miss Lace pageant and an ice hockey 'lace tournament' where thousands of ice hockey fans spend a beautiful summer day at an indoor skating rink! The festival culminates in the Night of Black Lace, when the entire town centre is closed to cars for a celebration. And, naturally, the most daring wear black lace!

Festivo music days

The chamber music event Festivo is an essential part of Rauma's cultural summer events. Held in August, this festival offers the audience a unique chance to listen to some of the most beautiful chamber music, performed by top musicians. In the summer of 2010, these musical gems will be attracking audiences in Festivo's 27th season. In addition to the touch of artistic director Mark Gothoni, the festival features several other top national and international musicians.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Rauma offers audiences ideal surroundings for listening. Poselli Culture Centre is one of the best chamber music halls in Finland in terms of acoustics and ambiance. Music is also performed in other concert halls and neighbouring communities during the festival.

Rauma Blues

In the summer of 2010, Rauma Blues is being held for the 25rd time. Over the years, the event has developed into one of Finland's more prominent blues festivals, where top foreign and domestic artists meet.

The intense event introduces various manifestations of blues from this wide-ranging area.

Blue Sea Film Festival

The Blue Sea Film Festival has a strong reputation among movie buffs. The film festival is visited by famous movie directors, film editors, and actors and has been held since 1994.

The annual Baltic Herring short film competition is arranged in connection with the movie festival. Over the years, many Finnish media/audiovisual students from Finland, Germany and Estonia have taken part in the competition. Both professional and freelance artists attend, and their works are presented in the general category.

Updated: 03.03.2010