Finland Center volunteer Henna Hallstrom (L) and treasurer Helena Niskanen (R) at the bazaar table, with Heli Sirvio of the Finnish Church in the middle.

Nov 27, 2010

The traditional Finnish Christmas Event: bazaar and Kauneimmat joululaulut (the Most Beautiful Christmas Songs) drew approximately 300 Finns and friends of Finland to Greenwich Village on Saturday, Nov. 27. All the Finnish community organizations were represented and everyone enjoyed shopping for Finnish chocolate, liquorice, salmiakki, rye bread, and books for children and adults, as well as many kinds of useful Christmas gift items.

Old friends caught up with news while savoring traditional rice porridge in the church parish hall. Then everyone gathered in the church to watch the children’s Lucia procession, performances by talented local Finnish musicians and to sing favorite Christmas songs from Finland, accompanied by organist (and also FCF Music Director) Kalle Toivio.