Eräajojen

Eräajojen, also known as the "Lapland Winter Games," is an annual winter sports event held in the Finnish Lapland region. The games are organized by the Finnish Saami Council and the Finnish Olympic Committee, and they aim to promote Saami culture and sports among the indigenous Saami people of Finland. The event takes place in the town of Saariselkä, which is located in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

The Eräajojen games feature a variety of winter sports, including cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey. The event also includes cultural activities, such as traditional Saami music and dance performances, to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Saami people. The games are open to participants from all over Finland, as well as international competitors, making it a popular event for winter sports enthusiasts.

The Eräajojen games have been held annually since 1998, and they have become an important tradition in Finnish Lapland. The event is supported by local businesses and organizations, and it has helped to promote tourism in the region. The games are also an opportunity for the Saami people to preserve and promote their unique cultural identity in the face of globalization and modernization.

In addition to the sports and cultural activities, the Eräajojen games also include a variety of social events, such as a traditional Saami market and a festival of lights. These events help to create a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants and spectators, and they contribute to the overall atmosphere of the games.

Overall, the Eräajojen games are an important event in Finnish Lapland, and they play a significant role in promoting Saami culture and sports. The games are a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Saami people, and they continue to be an important tradition in the region.