Despite the Norwegian tragedy the festival is being marked by joyful events and a belief that the world can be become a better place.
“This festival is our reaction to the events in Norway because we emphasize tolerance, multiculturalism and diversity in a positive way,” says Festival Director Börje Mattson.
Mattson points out that the theme of this year’s festival is ”Viva la difference” is aimed at countering the negative reaction in some circles in Finland to immigrants, sexual minorities, the handicapped or other cultures.
“We want to demonstrate that diversity enriches and is great,” Mattson adds.
Former President Matti Ahtisaari attended the festival on Friday. Green MP and former EU special representative in Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, was Saturday’s main guest. On Sunday Minister for International Development Heidi Hautala of the Greens attended the event.
The programme of the Faces Etnofestival includes music, dance, theatre, poetry, art, workshops and bazaars, children's Small Faces and a Roots Village.
Sunday's headliners include the Zambian Vocal Collective, Finnish reggae star Jukka-Poika and Helsinki ska band the Capital Beat.