Helsinki Day at Espa Stage

Celebrate Helsinki Day at Espa Stage! The programme features Helsinki slang and samba.

Espa Stage's Helsinki Day programme takes city residents from the spirit of Helsinki to the colourful splendour of samba carnivals.

Come listen to how Helsinki slang becomes choral music and learn samba steps! In between, enjoy pop music with schlager influences from singer-guitarist Sakari Juntura. The city's greeting will be presented by Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov.

The previously announced MIL-Espa concert has unfortunately been cancelled. However, military music can be enjoyed at Espa Stage throughout the summer: see all MIL-Espa concerts in our event calendar.

All programmes are open and free of charge.

Programme and Schedule

11.00-12.20 | Helsinki Day by Stadin Slangi Association
The day begins with an event by Stadin Slangi Association, where the 2026 Helsinki Friidu and Kundi winners will be announced.

On stage, Helsinki slang will be heard in the form of music and stories performed by Antti Reini, the Slang Choir, and several influential figures in Helsinki culture. The 30-year history of Tsilari magazine and the origins of the slang will be explored through interviews, and the city's greeting will be presented by Mayor Daniel Sazonov. The event will be interpreted into Finnish Sign Language.

14.00-15.00 | Sakari Juntura - Open Stage
Singer-guitarist Sakari Juntura writes tender songs about love and parenthood. In the songs of this artist performing pop music with schlager influences, love appears in many forms: as infatuation, as parenthood, and as the enduring force of everyday life that, despite setbacks, holds people together.

Sensitivity in people is a source of strength, but in the 2020s, the image of masculinity remains narrow in this regard. Juntura, who works as a teacher, wants to set an example for younger generations through his work. Boys and men are allowed to have feelings, and they should and can talk about them openly. He wants to be a safe adult for young people who stands by their side.

Juntura, who released his debut album in April 2026, wants to sing