The Eurovision Song Contest has a long tradition of unexpected surprises. But this year, one twist stands out. A group from Finland is representing Sweden. And they are doing it with a song about saunas.
KAJ, a musical comedy group from the Finland-Swedish community, is competing for Sweden in Eurovision 2025. Their entry, titled “Bara bada bastu” (“Just Sauna”), is a cheerful and catchy track dedicated entirely to the joys of sauna life. The song, performed in a Swedish dialect spoken in Finland, has quickly gained popularity in both Sweden and Finland.
Who Are KAJ?
KAJ is a Finland-Swedish group from the town of Kronoby in western Finland. They are known for their humorous songs and sketches that reflect everyday life in the Swedish-speaking parts of Finland. Their lyrics often highlight regional dialects, rural traditions, and uniquely Finnish habits—like sauna bathing.
Though their roots are firmly in Finland, the group is eligible to compete for Sweden due to Eurovision’s flexible rules. Contestants are not required to be citizens of the country they represent. This has allowed KAJ to step into the Swedish spotlight, bringing a piece of Finland with them.
A Song About Sauna
“Bara bada bastu” is exactly what it sounds like. The song is a celebration of sauna culture. It praises the peace and simplicity of sitting in a hot wooden room with friends, sweating away stress and enjoying silence. The song is humorous but also sincere. It captures a tradition that holds deep meaning in Finnish life.
The music video features wool socks, birch branches, wooden benches, and all the other familiar visuals of a typical Finnish sauna. The message is clear: relax, enjoy, and don’t overthink things. Just sauna.
Finland-Swedish Identity
Finland has a significant Swedish-speaking minority. About 5% of the population speak Swedish as their first language. These Finland-Swedes maintain a strong cultural identity that is both Finnish and Swedish. Their dialects, traditions, and humor often reflect a mix of influences.
This dual identity is part of what makes KAJ’s entry so unusual and so interesting. They are showcasing a Finnish tradition using a Swedish dialect while representing Sweden in one of the most watched music contests in Europe.
Mixed Reactions in Sweden and Finland
In Finland, the response has been mostly positive. Many see it as a fun and proud moment to see Finnish sauna culture on the Eurovision stage. Some viewers also appreciate the attention given to the Finland-Swedish community, which is not always in the spotlight.
In Sweden, reactions have been more mixed. While many fans love the song’s playful spirit, some critics have questioned why a Finnish group is representing Sweden. The debate has sparked conversations about national identity, cultural exchange, and what Eurovision really stands for.
Malmö Makes Headlines
Adding to the drama, officials in Malmö—the Swedish city hosting Eurovision this year—have said they will not host again in 2026 if KAJ wins. While this is likely a joke or a light-hearted protest, it shows how much attention the song is getting.
Malmö has hosted Eurovision multiple times and is no stranger to the challenges that come with it. Some local leaders have used the sauna song as a humorous excuse to opt out of future responsibilities. Still, the comment adds more publicity to an already talked-about entry.
What This Means for Finland
Even though Finland is not officially represented by KAJ this year, the group’s presence at Eurovision still puts Finnish culture in the spotlight. Sauna is a deeply personal and national tradition. Seeing it celebrated on such a large stage is a moment of pride for many Finns.
It also opens the door to more creative collaborations between Nordic neighbors. The song may be a Swedish entry, but its heart is Finnish. And that blend of cultures is something worth celebrating.