Year of events in Porvoo

Runeberg’s Day is an annual celebration on the 5th of February to commemorate the birth of Finnish national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1804-1877). In Porvoo, Runeberg's hometown, the day is widely visible in the city's streets, libraries, schools and cafés. Traditions include a torch-lit parade by the Porvoo VPK, a performance by the male choir Runebergskören BSB and various literary events. The city also awards the prestigious Runeberg Prizes: the Runeberg Prize for Literature and the Runeberg Junior Prize for Children's Literature. Cafés and bakeries offer traditional Runeberg cakes, available all year round.

Porvoo Lights is an atmospheric light festival that illuminates the city's historic streets and beautiful landscapes with unique works and installations. The event brings together locals and visitors to enjoy the diversity of light art while highlighting Porvoo's cultural heritage and the beauty of its surroundings. Porvoo Lights creates unforgettable experiences for all the senses, while providing a warm moment in the middle of the darkest season.

The Porvoo Dome event bubble offers anyone interested in trying and organising something new the opportunity to create their own event free of charge in the centre of Porvoo. The Porvoo Dome event bubble in Lundinaukio gathers topical themes and phenomena that make people talk. Art, discussions, theme days, performances and concerts, music and talks.

Summer Sounds is the cultural gem of Porvoo's summer, bringing high quality chamber music and diverse musical experiences to the city. The festival combines historical and modern settings. Summer Sounds brings together top musicians from Finland and around the world, and its programme attracts both classical music lovers and new listeners. The event is the perfect combination of music, history and summer in Porvoo.

Founded in 2016 by opera singer Monica Groop, the festival offers a varied programme of chamber music, lighter music such as songs, jazz and folk music, and children's concerts in the Pellinki Archipelago and Porvoo Cathedral. In addition to the country's top artists, the event will feature young talent. The programme will be based around a theme composer or a topical theme, and will also include dramatised performances of poetry, song and dance.

Smaku Porvoo is a foodie's dream, where the city's restaurants present their best dishes in small tasting portions. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience local food culture and taste a wide variety of flavours from different restaurants. Smaku culminates in a taste sensation finale, where Porvoo's favourite dish will be awarded. For the tenth time, the event brings together the joy of dining and community, and attracts visitors from all over Finland.

Porvoo River Carnival is a joyful and colourful event that enlivens the city's river landscape with music, performances and a community atmosphere. The event celebrates the unique setting of Porvoo's river area, with a programme full of activities for all ages. River Carnival brings together local residents and visitors to enjoy the atmospheric Porvoo together.

Every year, the Porvoo Jazz Festival brings top names and rising stars of jazz music to Porvoo. The festival offers high quality music in intimate venues, including the historic setting of the Old Town. The event attracts jazz lovers and newcomers alike, and its warm atmosphere makes it a unique experience.

The Night of the Ghosts is one of the biggest and most anticipated events in Porvoo, held annually at the end of October. Old Porvoo is transformed into a mysterious and exciting environment, where historic streets and buildings come alive with ghostly light and sound effects. Local boutiques, cafés and restaurants will be involved in the event, offering special products and experiences until late in the evening.

Christmas in Porvoo offers an idyllic Christmas atmosphere in the alleys of Old Porvoo and the city centre. The Christmas market, the variety of boutiques, restaurants and cafés, and the atmospherically lit streets create a magical atmosphere. Porvoo Christmas is full of tradition and attracts visitors to enjoy Christmas treats, shopping and an unforgettable festive atmosphere in a historic setting.