Military bands from seven nations perform together at Hamina Tattoo

The Hamina Tattoo military music festival has drawn around 100,000 visitors to the Finnish city this week, as bands and smaller ensembles from multiple countries take part in performances and parades.

On Thursday, seven military bands met in Hamina’s central Raatihuoneentori square for a parade, playing together in front of large crowds. Among the performances was a joint rendition of the Porilaisten marssi (March of the Pori Regiment).

Participating bands include the Royal Netherlands Navy Band, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Band, Switzerland’s Armed Forces Representative Band, the Royal Swedish Navy Band, and Finland’s Defence Forces Conscript Band, Naval Band, and Dragoon Band. A highlight of the day’s events was the appearance of the Canadian Mounted Police Band with its bagpipes, which caught the attention of long-time attendee Marja Pönkä.

“I lived in Scotland for a couple of years, where I fell in love with the sound of the bagpipes. Now I get to hear it here too,” Pönkä said.

For Salla Sointu, attending with her two children, the event offers family-friendly entertainment. “It’s a great event for kids. There’s something for even the youngest,” she said.

Sanna-Mari Kyöttinen described the festival as a joyful, lively gathering. “We meet friends and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s nice to have this buzz in quiet little Hamina,” she said.

Tiina Salonen, the festival’s executive director, characterised Hamina Tattoo as a mix of relaxed vibes, good spirit, discipline, and spontaneity. She cited a Tuesday evening club performance in the market square by the Defence Forces Conscript Band’s Showband as an example of the festival’s unpredictable charm, where spontaneous choir singing and line dancing broke out.

Beyond the parades, the festival features smaller concerts in the courtyards of Hamina’s historic buildings, which are opened to the public for the occasion. These include flea markets and art exhibitions alongside the musical performances.

Hamina Tattoo, first held in 1990, is a biennial event. While military music remains central, the programme also includes jazz and pop.