Heikinpaiva took place in Hancock several weeks ago, but we’re revisiting it today with photos Kathy Erkkila Ptaszek took during the parade. She captured a family in colorful Finnish attire, the Hankookin Heikit honorees presiding over the parade on a giant kicksled, the Swan of Tuonela, Saint Henrik who is the patron saint of Finland, the Finnish version of Santa - Joulupukki and Moomins, to name a few. I had to look that last one up, as I had no clue what a Moomin was...they resemble the hippopatamus, but are actually trolls that were created by a Finnish writer in a series of novels and books. So much folklore and many Finnish customs are represented during this annual midwinter parade and festivities.

TV6-Fox UP shares a look at the festivities, starting with the parade and also highlighting some of the fun events that followed, including a quick look at the bear roll, the wife carrying contest and the Tori market.

Looks like Fun!

I agree…fun pix!
“And all the townspeople rejoiced!”
This should have been done at the Super Bowl
half-time show…this is much more entertaining.

Alex, you nailed it all right! It would have made a much better halftime show.

Fun pictures. The years are flying
by because it seems like we just
saw this stuff last year, lol.
Looks like a fun time.

Just letting you know that UC is
out of surgery and back home.
Great news! I'm sure he'll update
everybody when he feels up to it.

That is so awesome. What colorful clothing. And I
love the swan.

Yeehaw on Uncle Chuck.

And Amen...that would have definitely been a much
better half time show! I don't do Rap or Hip
Hop...I can't listen as fast as they talk/sing,
whatever they call it. I'm old. lol Give me some
old fashioned Willie and I'm good.

I couldn't understand a word out
of that rapper's mouth. A country
show with Lainey Wilson, Chris
Stapleton, etc. You know, the
newer ones who actually sing
country music.