Estonians held an open-air fair in Helsinki's monumental Senate Square at the weekend. Estonian delicacies were available, accompanied by evergreen tunes from composer Georg Ots as well as rock and jazz.
There was no need to go shopping to Tallinn last weekend, as Estonian vendors brought their merchandise to Helsinki. Ham and sausages from Southern Estonia, as well as smoked cheeses from the island of Saaremaa were some of the foods that interested curious Finns. Other merchandise included linens and quilts. Needless to say, the prices were quite attractive.
The three-day open-air fair was an event that gave both Finns and Estonians a good reason to learn the EU directives fast.
On the first day, the music was dedicated to "people of a mature age". Choirs presented songs from next July’s choir festival programme, and evergreen tunes by Georg Ots were heard in the afternoon.
On Saturday it was time for dancing and rock music, while Sunday was given over to Estonian jazz and pop artists. The warm sunny weather enjoyed in the Finnish capital over the weekend ensured a good turnout for this first landing by our new EU neighbour.
