Mansikka — the Finnish word for strawberry. Perhaps, it is possible to consider it as the most Finnish berry: annually on fields of Finland its huge quantity is cultivated — strawberry landings occupy more than 3500 hectares, and the crop is calculated in millions tons. So it is a lot of berry that constant workers on the Finnish farms don’t suffice and it is necessary to employ seasonal workers (usually these are students wishing to earn additionally in the summer ).

The strawberry capital settles down in small town Suonenjoki: in its vicinities it is cultivated more than 650 hectares of this juicy, fragrant berry. Annually in the middle of July the present strawberry carnival here is arranged. The strict jury diligently tastes the collected berry, and then names a name of the farmer, whose crop is recognized the best. Then they choose  the queen of the carnival — «Ms. the Strawberry». Well and certainly, a sweet fragrant berry is  simply eaten.

It is one of the oldest summer festivals in Finland which has the history of more than 30 years. By tradition the holiday opens with carnival procession. It goes on city streets where local residents, visitors collectors of a strawberry and numerous tourists have fun. The jury names the farmer who has grown up the best crop of a strawberry, and then elections of the queen of a carnival take place – “Ms. the Strawberry”.

Within three days in Suonenjoki it is possible to hear popular Finnish singers and musicians, and also to take part in various games and competitions. Competition on strawberry eating, competition on the best scarecrow, sports competitions, horse races and motor-arrivals are expected.

And, of course, the strawberry sea! A strawberry with cream, strawberry ice-cream, strawberry jam, strawberry juice, pies with a strawberry, and simply fresh, fragrant berry just broken from a bed.

This year the carnival will be was spent on 9-11th of July, 2010.

The city of Suonenjoki is located in 50 km south to the west cities of Kuopio.

Suonenjoki is known in Finland as “the Strawberry city”, and the municipal arm with the image of sheet of a strawberry confirms that this fragrant berry has an important role in commune life.

In the city , placing of visitors in hotels, rural manor or a country house is offered.

From productive leisure programs here dominate water and wood tourism.

The local museum of local lore is located in ancient rural shop of 19 centuries and totals about 1 800 exhibits.

For playing sports in Suonenjoki there is a pool, and in the winter a network of ski lines.

In factory bench Lehtopuu, there is a trade in the products painted manually from a tree and ceramic pictures.

The popular strawberry festival with street procession is held in Suonenjoki annually in July. This is probably one of the reflections of Finnish nature. Where wlse can you encounter a festival dedicated to strawberries?..:)