traditions

Midsummer is one of the most important holidays in the Nordic countries. In Finland, many grocery shops are usually open seven days a week, even during many holidays; but midsummer – Juhannus in Finnish – belongs to the few days where most shops are closed. Midsummer is also an event that for many people seems to be closely connected to heavy alcohol consumption, which leads to numerous accidents every year. While alcohol and drug abuse is a problem in many northern communities, also tourists visiting the north are prone to celebrate with lots of alcohol.

Since the mid 20th century, every year towards the end of March, Hetta celebrates the St. Mary's Days. Within the region, it is one of the biggest events and festivals of the local Sámi: People from all over Enontekiö and the surrounding areas, such as from the close by Kautokeino region in Norway, are coming together for this celebration in Hetta, which is the biggest village in Enontekiö – a municipality in the very north-west of Finland. The tradition of celebrating St.