Russian imperial couple Alexander III and Maria Feodorova visited Finland in August 1885. The nation’s gift to the Empress was a rowing boat, propelled across Lake Saimaa by eight women, each of whom was dressed in the costume of her region.
This Saturday was chosen to officially commemorate 130 years since that day, which is seen as the official birth of Finnish national costume.
In the Lappish town of Tornio nearly 30 people donned full national costume, to the delight of visitors who came to admire their efforts.
In addition, local Peräpohjola national dress and Tornionlaakso folk costumes were proudly worn alongside Häme local fashions.
The programme for the day in Tornio also included violin music, a picnic and, unsurprisingly, a discussion on national dress.
