Anna's Day Celebration in Old Town Raahe

In the old days people of Old Raahe celebrated Anna's Day (9th of December) as a starting point for waiting Christmas. Young people of the town got up early and dressed up so that they wouldn't be recognised by fellow townsmen and women. Then this caboodle of people marched under local Anna's windows ja made an awfully loud noise. Some Annas were thrilled, others not so much. Anna's Day Celebration was banned in 1910s, perhaps because it got a bit too wild.

The modern celebration of St. Anna's Day has been held for about 20 years. The day begins with "Rumpaajat" drumming through the town, followed by markets, concerts, exhibitions, and events across Raahe. The main venue is Opistotalo Patala, with activities also at Raahe museums, the library, Praati, Kinosalonki Sofia, and Raahe Event House. Pekkatori and the church hill are illuminated with candles and lanterns, inviting all residents to contribute to the light. Welcome to enjoy St. Anna's Day!