Vaasa celebrates the Armas Festival from 17 to 23 March 2025

The festival week features a diverse and engaging programme, including exhibitions, film screenings, music, author visits, and communal events.

– The programme includes exhibitions by long-time Vaasa-based photographer Gunnar Bäckman, which will be displayed at the Main Library and Vuorikoti. Writer Paula Nivukoski will talk about her work at the Main Library. The opening ceremony on 20 March, and Armas Day will also feature a diverse programme, says Geir Byrkjeland, Cultural Producer from Vaasa’s Culture and Library Services.

Highlights from the programme:

Opening ceremony on 17 March from 13.00 to 15.00, Vuorikoti’s ballroom.

• Accordion music (Elmer Dahlbäck, Kuula-opisto)
• Photographer Gunnar Bäckman will talk about life-long creativity (Bäckman’s exhibition is open at the Art Corridor in Vuorikoti)
• The Runonkulkijat group will recite poems
• Coffee will be served in Vuorikoti’s dining hall

Armas Day on 20 March from 12.00 to 15.00, Vaasa Main Library

• Vaasa City Orchestra String Trio (at 12.00, Café Proosa, Vaasa Main Library)
• Eeva Kontiokari: Lecture Kevät, kesä ja rakkaus (‘Spring, summer and love’) (from 13.00 to 14.00, Draama Room)
• Line dancing with Vaasan Eläkkeensaajat ry (from 14.00 to 14.30, Draama Room)
• Information stands showcasing wellbeing services and various associations (Main Library lobby).
• Free coffee and light snacks at the chat café (Café Proosa, Vaasa Main Library).

Culture for everyone

Exhibitions

• Gunnar Bäckman: Light (29 February–30 March, Teema Gallery, Main Library)
• Beadworks (1–30 March, the glass displays at the Main Library)
• Gunnar Bäckman: Minun Vaasani (‘My Vaasa’) (17 March–11 April, Art Corridor at Vuorikoti)
• Works by Kulttuurikamari groups (17–23 March, Matilda Room, Main Library).

Film screenings

• 12 March Early start at ALMA: How the film about the Kvarken was made; biologist Vesa Heinonen discusses the film Meri joka katosi (‘The Sea that vanished’) by Ari Häkkinen (13.00–15.00, Alma auditorium)
• 19 March Screening of the film Merenkurkun kalapuroilla (‘The Fish Streams of the Kvarken’) (at 14.00, Draama Room, Main Library)

Music and dance

• 16 March Armas Festival Opening Dance (16.00–19.00, Pensioners’ Activity Centre, Ajurinkatu 14)
• 20 March Armas Day: Vaasa City Orchestra String Trio (at 12.00, Café Proosa, Vaasa Main Library)

Literature and theatre

• 20 March Guest author: Paula Nivukoski (18.00, Draama Room, Main Library)
• 21 March Theatre bingo at Restaurant Kulma (at 15.00, Pitkäkatu 53, admission €3)
• Special prices for City Theatre performances:
• Cock, 20–21 March (senior ticket €15 with the code ARMAS)
• Koiramäen Suomen historia (‘Doghill History of Finland’), 20 March at 13.00 (Family ticket €85/4 people)

The Finnish Parish in Vaasa also organises programme for seniors during the festival week.

The national ARMAS Festival will be held for the eighth time in Vaasa in March.  The ARMAS Festival celebrates the creativity of older people and brings art into everyday life. Follow the festival on social media: #armasfestivaali.

See the full programme at: vaasa.fi/armas (website available only in Finnish or Swedish)

We reserve the right to make changes.