This week, the Folk Music Festival even got married in Kaustinen church in the spirit of the festival. On the main stage in the KPO arena on Thursday and Friday you can see Club for Five, Ánnámáret, Antti Paalanen, Millions of and Print.
Executive Director of Pro Kaustinen ry Valtteri Valo has been following the mood of the first week with satisfaction and has played the violin on a few stages himself.
- There are more than 5000 players here this week, which is more than the population of Kaustinen municipality, plus the public. Somehow, miraculously, accommodation is always arranged for everyone. Tent pitches are still available at the camping site next door, Valtteri Valo tells you.
This year, performers have come to Central Ostrobothnia from every continent. There are almost 700 groups, more than 1500 gigs and concerts.
The exceptionally high number of musicians and dancers is partly explained by the fact that this year's regional theme is South Ostrobothnia - it's a much shorter distance from there than from, say, North Karelia or Lapland, and there are people from there too.
A festival that revolutionised life
Heikki and Josephine Mustosen (photo from home album) love was rekindled five years ago at the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. The Humppila-based couple first came to the festival on Monday, and on Tuesday they were married in Kaustinen church.
Heikki has been a child player in Kaustinen when the family lived for a while in Vetel. Josefiina and her friends just decided that they had to go to Kaustinen to play.
- We set up Idula-band, who will be playing here again this year," says Josefiina.
The Mustos had a truly memorable wedding. Singing in the church Kaustinen Wedding Choir and playing were Kaustinen players among them also a master player. Mauno Järvelä.
What happened after the wedding? Well, back to the festival of course, where Josefiina had a gig with Idula the very next day!
Mauno Järvelä played for the bride and groom in Kaustinen church. In the top photo, the Kaustinen Wedding Choir sings for the bride and groom. Photos by Susanna Salokannel