The first-ever Nordic Winter carnival, jointly organised by the Consulates General of Finland and Sweden in Hong Kong and Macao, and the PMQ Taste Library, took place in late November 2024. The carnival successfully drew in over 650 visitors during the weekend, showcasing the strong interest in Nordic culture within the local community.
A collaborative effort between the Consulates General of Finland and Sweden in Hong Kong, this carnival marks a significant milestone as it is the first joint initiative by the two Nordic Consulates in recent years. Aimed at sharing the festive spirit and promoting Nordic culture, the carnival featured an array of activities: traditional Nordic winter food tasting, handicrafts, Christmas food baking workshop, mini bazaar with Finnish and Swedish products, human library where Finns and Swedes chatted in person with the public and answer all their questions about Nordic winter, as well as table ice hockey experience. These activities highlighted the rich Winter heritage of the Nordic countries. With visitors’ hands-on experience, the carnival also resonated with visitors of all ages.
Louise Bergholm, the Consul General of Sweden says, “Sweden and Finland are the only Nordic countries that have a career consulate in Hong Kong. We are excited to work with our neighbours for greater public outreach efforts and visibility, just as what our home countries have been doing for decades. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Finland on other topics, such as innovation and sustainability, where both countries excel globally.”
Timo Kantola, the Consul General of Finland remarked, “The Nordic countries have long ranked top as the most desirable Winter destination for locals. Through this event, we hope to share about the Nordic winter and Christmas, which are all about family, joy, warmth and cosiness. This event brings Winter in the Nordics to Hong Kong, thereby inviting the public to experience the essence of Nordic winter culture and cuisine.”
Timo Kantola, Finnish Consul General in Hong Kong (left), and Louise Bergholm, Swedish Consul General in Hong Kong (right), play a table ice hockey match at the event.
Parents and children join effort in making gingerbread at one of the baking workshops.
The handicraft station provides participants with an opportunity to make traditional Nordic handicrafts, such as Christmas wreaths and paper snowflakes.