The Night of The Arts Transforms Helsinki Into an Arena of Cultural Spectacles

The Night of the Arts (arranged for the 28th time) transformed Helsinki into an arena of hundreds of cultural enjoyments on Thursday. Many of the events started and ended in the afternoon but there were also many, which continued to the late-night hours. For the first time, the event extended to Kaartin lasaretti, a block built in 1827-1941 behind the Hakaniemi Market Hall. The name of the area derives from an old military hospital that used to operate there. When the sun began to set, I grabbed the camera and ran into colorful visuals, head-bobbing beats, laughter and enjoyment. Here are the highlights.

Sarah Kivi, a Finnish actress and singer, performing in the shed ‘Tanssilato’ at Lapinlahti Hospital during the Night of the Arts in Helsinki, Finland on August 25 2016. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today

Street performers entertaining the crowd with classical tunes at Keskuskatu. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today

Patrons with masks visiting the Senate Square. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today

People marveling Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa’s marine installation ‘Sea Lives’, which is created from recycled plastic at the Senate Square. This colorful art blends Korean tradition with the urban way of the world and global consumer culture. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today

The cheeky ensemble of works in ‘Sea Lives’ draws your attention to marine protection and the gigantic plastic rafts that have been spotted floating on the world’s oceans. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today

Reetta Sironen from DJ duo Wonderlust is mixing Middle Eastern, Balkan, Gypsy and folk club sounds at the Secret Garden at Kaartin lasaretti. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today