The Etno-Espa event focusing on contemporary Finnish folk music was first organized in August 2005. The idea behind the event originated from a desire to bring this highly appreciated, yet little known genre of music closer to all audiences. Jazz-Espa which has been organized successfully for years by The Finnish Jazz Federation, serves as an important model for Etno-Espa.

Concerts will take place on the Esplanade stage every weekday afternoon in August. Following Jazz-Espa’s July performances, audiences will have the possibility to hear high-level Finnish contemporary music in the heart of the city for two months. The first Etno-Espa had 16 900 visitors.

The theme of Etno-Espa (Ethnic-Esplanade) is contemporary Finnish folk music. The term “ethnic” is often associated to something different from ourselves, something “other”. However, what is unfamiliar to us is quite familiar to somebody else and vice versa. The idea of Etno-Espa is to introduce urban folk music that has been influenced by various cultures, but still maintains its Finnish roots.

The Etno-Espa Association was founded in the spring of 2005. The main mission of the association is to organize the Etno-Espa event. Also, through all its actions, the Etno-Espa Association wants to promote awareness and appreciation of Finnish contemporary folk music.