Fairy Tale Day commemorating author Elina Karjalainen Wed 3.6.2026

Fairy Tale Day commemorating author Elina Karjalainen on Wednesday 3.6.2026 at 12-16 in Valamo Monastery

Valamo's Fairy Tale Day is a shared day for children and their close ones, where children participate with their mother, grandmother, godparent, or even uncle. Adults and seniors without children are also welcome to the fairy-tale atmosphere.

During the day, visitors will explore the exhibition of painter Rudolf Koivu and the fairy tale and poetry world of beloved author Elina Karjalainen (3.6.1927-14.8.2006). Participants will also get to tell their own fairy tales.

The day includes a trip to Valamo Monastery Cemetery to Elina Karjalainen's grave, where the monastery brotherhood will serve a litany in her memory on her birthday.

The joint fairy tale journey is brightened by Uppo-Nalle's pancake party served at Restaurant Trapesa.

Accompanying you on the fairy tale journey are art educator, journalist Pia Paananen and Valamo's special library's Librarian Virva Suvitie.

Photo: © Hannu Taina / WSOY

Program:

12:00 Opportunity to participate in a moleben, i.e., prayer service, in the Main Church

12:30 Welcome moment and Uppo-Nalle's rhyme bag game in the Cultural Center yard, in case of rain in the library

12:45 Exploration of the Rudolf Koivu - Fairy-tale Illustrator exhibition, and a fairy tale session and communal storytelling in the Cultural Center (library)

13:30 Pancake party in Restaurant Trapesa

14:00 Walk or transfer to Elina Karjalainen's grave (weather permitting), where Valamo Monastery brotherhood will serve a litany in Elina's memory.

Creation of land art and lighting a candle at the grave.

15:15 Walk or transfer back to Valamo

Farewell fairy tales, thank you gifts, and see you next time!

Day's program: 20 €/ person (includes program, exhibition entry, and pancake party)  

Registration by 1.6.2026 at 14:00: salesservice@valamo.fi or 017 570 1810  

Also ask about accommodation

Warmly welcome!