Son of Kaustinen Mikko Onni Johannes Penttilä started folk dancing at the age of four and continued actively until the age of 16.
- I don't think I needed to be forced to join a dance club as a little boy, but in later years my parents might have had to encourage me a little. Luckily they did. Tanhu still has a place in my heart, Mikko, who has trained as a professional actor, admits.
- Tanhua as a hobby was in no way questioned in Kaustinen. The folk tradition is so diverse and strong there, says Mikko. Elsewhere, people might wonder why young people there have so many hobbies based on tradition instead of popular culture.
His involvement in the theatre began at the age of 16. At that time, the Kaustinen Youth Society was undergoing a restructuring and the groups were merged. This was a natural turning point for young Mikko, where he could decide whether he wanted to continue with tanhua or theatre. Theatre won out and eventually became a profession.
Photo by Pirjo Palosaari-Penttilä.
Mikko's earliest memories of the Kaustinen Festival include the opening processions and the dancing at the main gates and the Arena.
- I also remember a story from my childhood that one year a scooter had appeared in the playground and it was fun to ride it around the festival area. We children hid that one board in the bushes so that we could always ride it ourselves. The surest way to find this magical device was to search all the holes and other hiding places in the playground. After that one year the scooter disappeared, maybe someone hid it too well.
The most poignant experience at the festival has been the Thai folk dance and music group, which completely captured the heart of ten-year-old Miko.
- I had learned to speak a little English and went to talk to them. Then I spent almost the whole week of the festival with them, I became their little mascot," Mikko laughs. For their last performance they took me on stage with them. I got to dress up in their traditional costume and everything. The fact that such a little jantteri can have a great experience of another culture, different people, tradition and religion without leaving his home town is a great thing - and possible in Kaustinen.
In Mikko's opinion, the character and spirit of Kaustinen Festival is even more today than it was then.
- It feels like the old atmosphere of gamesmanship and tradition is back. It's a great thing and it has that party vibe. That's what people come year after year to enjoy.
Mikko will again be seen hosting this year at the Arena.
- I'm also looking forward to a week of bonfires, seeing old friends, great concerts and the fun and silly surprises that usually pop up during the week.
Main photo: Kaustinen cavalcade 2013, photo Jyrki Puuronen.
Festival people 2/6
For the Festival People series Merja Lahti interviewed a few people, each with their own history and perspective on the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. The series introduces more or less familiar characters that you have met and will meet over the years in Kaustinen.
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