Turku & the South Coast - Finland - page 182

Suosittu Iltaristeily CRUISE
( GOOGLE MAP ; www.rosita.fi ; adult/child €15/5; mid-Jun-early Aug)
Evening harbour cruises aboard the 1947-built schooner M/S Rosita sail from the Old
Town pier from 7pm to 8.30pm Monday to Saturday during summer.
THE MOOMINS
Beloved throughout Finland and beyond, the Moomins are an eccentric family of nature-
loving, white-snouted, hippo-like trolls. Moominpappa, Moominmamma and their timid
child Moomintroll are based closely on creator Tove Jansson's own bohemian family. Oth-
er characters include the eternal wanderer Snufkin; brutally honest Little My; the eerie
Hattifatteners, who grow from seeds and are drawn to electrical storms; and the icy
Groke, who leaves a frozen trail wherever she drifts.
Jansson's first published Moomin drawing appeared as a signature on her political car-
toons. She wrote the first of her nine children's books,Småtrollen och den stora övers-
vämningen(The Moomins and the Great Flood) during WWII, followed by several cartoon
books based on her characters. Her comic strips debuted in theLondon Evening Newsin
1954, before being syndicated around the world: Canadian publisher Drawn & Quarterly
recently republished them in six hardback editions. Adaptations have included a Japan-
ese cartoon series, a film and an album; Moomintroll has even starred on the side of Fin-
nair planes.
Moomin merchandise is everywhere in Finland but the real deal is the Moomin Shop ,
which was set up by Jansson's heirs; branches include Naantali's Old Town . For an up-
close encounter, visit Tampere's Muumilaakso (Moomin Valley Museum) or
Muumimaailma (Moomin World) .
Festivals & Events
Naantali Music Festival MUSIC
( 02-434-5363; www.naantalinmusiikkijuhlat.fi ;tickets €28-51)
For over 30 years, this event featuring first-rate classical music has been held over two
weeks from early June. Events in the Convent Church are a real highlight and performers
come from around the globe.