Finnish conservative Laestadian summer event begins in Kauhava

The annual Suviseurat gathering of Finland’s conservative Laestadians begins today in Kauhava, South Ostrobothnia, with organisers expecting 84,000 attendees, making it one of the country’s largest public events.

A group that last year sparked wide debate by criticising the movement’s views, the Tarratoimikunta, has announced it will again distribute stickers at this year’s Suviseurat.

In recent years the event has rotated among three airfields: Kauhava, Loppi, and Pudasjärvi.