Other summer activities

Dance pavilions
Summer dances on open-air pavilions are part of Finland’s unique culture. Most of these dance pavilions are located beside beautiful lakes. Summer dances are usually held on certain evenings of the week.

Popular Finnish stars often perform at these summer dances, and favourite dance styles include the foxtrot, tango, waltz and humppa – all of which are danced in pairs.

Traditionally at these summer dances, the men ask the women to dance. Each couple stays together for two dances in a row. During the evening the women also have the chance to ask the men to dance, but they have to wait for permission to do so.

Most dance pavilions have a café or bar where you can enjoy drinks between dances. The dress code is casual, but smart and usually traditional; women wear dresses or skirts, and men wear collared shirts and straight trousers.

Mikkeli District has several traditional dance pavilions, including Metsälinna in Ristiina, Syvälahti in Kangasniemi, Hiihtomäki in Mikkeli and Pistohiekka in Puumala.
 

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