Helsinki Day at the Espa stage

Celebrate Helsinki Day at the Espa stage! You can look forward to Helsinki slang and samba.

The Helsinki Day programme at the Espa stage will take Helsinki residents from the spirit of Helsinki through military music to the colourful splendour of samba carnivals. Come and listen to how Helsinki slang lends itself to choir music and learn the steps of samba! Mayor of Helsinki Daniel Sazonov will deliver a greeting from the City.

The previously advertised MIL-Espa concert has unfortunately been cancelled. Friends of military music need not worry, however, as MIL-Espa concerts are held on the Espa Stage throughout the summer: see all MIL-Espa dates in our event calendar.

The entire programme is open to all and free of charge.

Programme and schedule

11.00–12.20 | Stadin Slangi ry’s Helsinki Day
The day will kick off with an event where the local heritage association Stadin Slangi ry will announce the 2026 Stadin Friidu and Stadin Kundi (Helsinki’s Gal and Guy). The event will feature Helsinki slang in the form of music and stories performed by Antti Reini, the slang choir Slangikuoro and several cultural figures from Helsinki. The 30-year history of the Tsilari magazine and the birth of slang will be discussed through interviews, and Mayor Daniel Sazonov will deliver a greeting from the City. The event will be interpreted into Finnish Sign Language.

17.30–21.00 | Helsinki Samba Carnaval – opening ceremony
In the evening, a carnival atmosphere will descend on the Espa stage with Helsinki Samba Carnaval 2026 kicking off with a spectacular opening ceremony.
Here are some programme highlights:
– Helsinki dance lesson – get your hips moving and enjoy the atmosphere!
– Scintillating samba performances all over Finland – featuring loveable young samba performers and experienced stars
– Fantasy costume contest – see Saturday’s most glamorous costumes up close and vote for your favourite!