Seinäjoki Tango Festival sees record attendance in its 40th year, despite past pandemic impact

The Tango Festival held in Seinäjoki over the weekend saw better attendance than in previous years, with visitor numbers reaching 49,000. The effects of the pandemic had dampened the event in the past, but this year, visitor numbers surpassed those of the last two years. The organizers expressed their satisfaction, noting that the reforms initiated a couple of years ago have borne fruit and the event has also attracted new visitors. “It feels good. This is an excellent starting point for next year,” commented Pasi Ojala, CEO of the Seinäjoki Tango Festival.

The festival was celebrated in sunny weather, which usually plays a significant role in the success of Finnish summer events. “The weather has been in our favor, people have been in a good mood, and all the feedback I’ve heard has been positive,” Ojala added.

This year marked the 40th anniversary of the festival. According to the organizers, the 40th Anniversary Concert held on Friday was sold out, and the singing competition’s final on Saturday attracted a large audience. Tango was danced in the Dance House, squares, and Tango Street, where younger dancers were invited for free on Thursday.

The Tango Singing competition culminated in a final on Saturday, where the new Tango royalty was crowned: 30-year-old Miia Laitinen from Jyväskylä and 35-year-old Harri Hautaniemi from Ulvila.