Fairytale Day in memory of the writer Elina Karjalainen, Wed 3.6.2026

Fairytale Day in memory of the writer Elina Karjalainen on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 12-4 pm at the Valamo Monastery

The Valamo Fairytale Day is a day for children and their close circle, in which the child participates with their mother, grandmother, godmother or even uncle. Adults and pensioners without children are also welcome to join the fairy-tale atmosphere.

During the day, we will explore the exhibition of painter Rudolf Koivu and the fairy-tale and poetic world of the beloved writer Elina Karjalainen (June 3, 1927-August 14, 2006). Participants will also be able to tell fairy tales themselves.

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

The shared fairy tale journey will be enlivened by Uppo-Nallen pancake dishes served at Restaurant Trapesa.

The fairy tale journey will be led by art educator, journalist Pia Paananen and Valamo Special Library librarian Virva Suvitie.

Photo: © Hannu Taina / WSOY

Program:

12.00 Opportunity to participate in a moleben or prayer service at the Main Church

12.30 Welcome moment and Uppo-Nalle's lullaby game in the courtyard of the Cultural Center, in case of rain in the library

12.45 Exploring the Rudolf Koivu – Fairytale Illustrator exhibition and a fairy tale session and community storytelling at the Cultural Center (library)

13.30 Lettukestit at the Trapesa restaurant

14.00 Walk or transfer to Elina Karjalainen's grave (weather permitting), where the Valamo monastery brotherhood will deliver a litany in memory of Elina.

Preparation of a work of landscape art and lighting a candle at the grave.

15.15 Walk or transfer back to Valamo

Farewell tales, thank-you gifts and bye-bye until next time!

The day's program: 20 €/ person (includes the program, exhibition entrance and pancake tests)  

Registration by 27.5.2026: myyntipalvelu@valamo.fi or 017 570 1810  

Ask about accommodation too

A warm welcome!