Faces

Faces is an annual music festival held in Raseborg, Southern Finland, since 1998. It brings together world music, multicultural performances, and participatory arts each July or August, welcoming families and visitors of all backgrounds.

• Held annually in Raseborg, Southern Finland since 1998
• Features world music and multicultural performances
• Hosts the Finnish Street Performance Championships
• Family-friendly with dedicated children's activities
• Includes participatory art and wellness workshops

What it is

Faces is a vibrant music festival in Southern Finland that celebrates multiculturalism and the diversity of world music. Organized by the Etnokult Association, it draws together artists and audiences from Finland and beyond, offering a space where different cultures meet through music, performance, and art. The festival is known for its inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere, with activities and performances designed for all ages. For many, Faces is a yearly highlight that fosters community spirit and a sense of global connection.

Where it comes from

The Faces festival began in 1998, founded by Börje Mattsson and Holger Wickström, who created the Etnokult Association specifically to organize the event. Its first edition took place at the historic Raseborg Castle ruins. Over the years, the festival has moved between several scenic locations in Raseborg, including Billnäs ironworks, Gumnäs seaside, and Fiskars Village. Despite these changes, its core mission—to celebrate multiculturalism and world music—has remained unchanged.

How it is celebrated

At Faces, visitors experience a wide array of world music performances from both Finnish and international artists. The festival is not limited to music; it features the Finnish Street Performance Championships, a dedicated Small Faces program for children, and a free stage for spontaneous acts. Art installations and participatory workshops—ranging from live painting and yoga to instrument building—are woven throughout the festival grounds. The event is designed with accessibility in mind and is recognized as one of Finland’s most family-friendly festivals, ensuring that everyone can join in the festivities.

Joining in

Faces takes place in Raseborg, Southern Finland, with recent editions held in Fiskars Village and at the Raseborg Castle ruins. As a visitor, you can expect a welcoming environment with music, performances, and workshops spread across scenic outdoor venues. Families and newcomers are encouraged to participate, with activities for children and opportunities for impromptu performances. The festival’s relaxed, inclusive spirit makes it easy for anyone to feel at home.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Faces (festival), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Faces (festival) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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