When it comes to festivals, it is all about when you travel. I would go to Tromso, Norway at any time of the year, but the first weekend of February is best. During the first week of February Tromso hosts Sami Week. The Tromso Sami Festival includes events such as the National Reindeer Sledding Championships. Not only can you enjoy the Tromso Sami Festival events but you might even see the Northern Lights. The reindeer race takes place down Storgata, the main street of Tromso, Storgata. This event is the highlight of Sami Week.
Who Are the Sami People?
The Sami are the indigenous people of Lapland. Many Sami still make their living by reindeer husbandry and other traditional occupations. During Sami Week you can learn about the indigenous culture. In the Tromso market square, Sami people set up their traditional tents – Lavvua. These large tents can accommodate up to 100 people. During the Tromso Sami Festival, the Lavvua are used for poetry readings, cooking demonstrations, and musical performances. There is an opportunity to try your hand at lassoing. See locals using a lasso to herding reindeer. The Tromso Sami Festival also hosts the National Lasso Throwing Competition.
What Can You Do at Tromso Sami Week?
There are films screened in the Aurora cinema, exhibitions at the Perspektivet Museum, Tromsø Museum, performances in the Cultural Center, and activities at the library. But most of all you will enjoy just seeing the city full of Sami people. Many of the locals wear their traditional brightly colored costumes. You can even come across reindeer being led around the streets. If you enjoy Sami food try taking a course in Sami gourmet cooking at the restaurant Skarven. The atmosphere is light and fun-filled as the whole city comes alive during Sami Week. I have to say that having met Sami people in Norway, Sweden, and Finland they are some of the nicest people around.
Where: Tromso, Northern Norway
Getting there: SAS Airlines and Norwegian Air
When: Around the first weekend of February
Check out other Sami and Tromso festivals.
