Eurovision Comes to Helsinki
A Week Long EuroParty in Finland’s Capital
The 5-12 May brings the Eurovision song contest along with a Finnish cultural and musical extravaganza to Helsinki's streets.
Before there was American Idol, Pop Idol, or any other TV singing competition, there was Eurovision, a televised singing contest in which 42 European countries send bands to compete against one another. As the home country of the monster mask wearing band Lordi, the 2006 Eurovision contest winners who sang the campy heavy metal anthem “Hard Rock Hallelujah,” Finland has earned the right to host the 2007 Eurovision song contest.
Eurovision Events – Free and Open to Everyone
Visitors to Helsinki, Finland the week of May 5-12, 2007 should prepare for music, parties, crowds, and maybe a bit of mayhem. While the semi-final round at Helsinki’s Hartwall Arena will be on May 10 and the final round of competition will be on May 12, anyone in Helsinki can still get a piece of the action all week without a ticket to the sold out shows. There will be huge big screen TVs set up in Senate Square showing live broadcasts of the semifinals and final rounds, including a Lordi performance on May 12. Visitors can expect to see military bands and choral performances in Senate Square throughout the week. The Esplanad Park and the Espa stage will be the site of different music and dance performances, including a samba parade and live performances of jazz bands, circus troupes, Finnish progressive music, a Russian folk instrument orchestra, and a performance of Finnish throat singing.
The Lasipalatsi courtyard (behind Lasipalatsi restaurant on Mannerheiminite), will feature performances of Finnish tango and it will open its doors to anyone who wants to cut up the rug and show off their “big band” or “swing” style dancing, which has been popular in Finland for over 50 years. Be prepared to see women dressed in poodle skirts, guys with leather jackets and slicked back pompadours, and other period looks from the 1940s – 1960s. From May 7-11, Lasipalatsi will also show open air screenings of Finnish films.
Europe Market and the Helsinki Party
In honor of Europe Day (May 9), the city will host the Europe Market fair from 8-12 May. Representatives from European countries will be showcasing their culture and native products. Rumor has it that the Italians will be handing out free shots of Illy espresso! During what is being billed as the “Helsinki Party” on 11 May from 4-10pm, restaurants will bring their cuisine to the streets on May 11 in an effort to lower the threshold for people who want to experience the culinary arts in Helsinki.
Finland’s Eurovision entry this year is Hanna Pakarinen, a Lita Ford-esque rocker – less cringe-worthy and more serious than last year’s entry. Finns are hoping her rocker chic approach can win for them again this year. For those who won’t be coming to Helsinki in May but want to peek deeper into the Eurovision magic, the song lyrics of every entrant are posted online.
