Kuusamo Unusual Dance Festival canceled as intrigue draws attendees to area

The Kuusamo Unusual Dance Festival has been canceled for the upcoming weekend, but the intrigue surrounding the event still attracted attendees to the area in search of the atmosphere. The cancellation notice reached performers, though the same message hinted at a possible small gathering instead.

Amir Allard, known by his artist name Loasteeze, shared that they came to look for the vibe since accommodation was already booked, despite the event’s cancellation. Allard was set to perform at the festival as a DJ for the Oulu-based rap artist Julma Henri. However, upon arrival, they found only an empty event location instead of the anticipated venue.

Allard reported to Yle on Friday morning that they never found the rumored gathering. Last year’s inaugural festival faced numerous challenges, but its uniqueness was what originally attracted Julma Henri to participate this time around. He expressed a desire to experience the event’s distinctiveness.

This year’s event was canceled last minute as the police did not grant permission for its organization, with approximately 500 advance tickets purchased.

Marko Säkkinen, chairman of the Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism Association, does not believe the event’s uncertainty and eventual cancellation has harmed its reputation but is unsure if it has brought any benefits. He noted that the audience for the event has varied significantly, with some waiting for next year.

Local residents Soile Myyryläinen and Mari-Liisa Kallioniemi noted that the festival has fallen out of discussion. Kallioniemi, who didn’t attend last year, said she might buy a ticket if the event takes place next year, while Säkkinen described it as a “mystery event” that garnered both positive and negative feedback last year. He asserted that this year’s cancellation has had no impact on local tourism.