The long-standing market traditions will be celebrated throughout the season.
“We are pleased to say that the market traditions in Mikkeli remain strong. The markets have a centuries-old history here, and we want to celebrate this milestone throughout the autumn,” says Kaija Ahonen from the Mikkeli Market Traders’ Association.
The autumn market of 1744 was a small local event, held near Naisvuori in Mikkeli. In 1838, the market’s location was established at Hallitustori (the Market Square), ushering in the golden age of the markets.
The autumn markets were a celebration of the harvest, offering grains, root vegetables, livestock, and handicrafts. The harvest’s bounty remains central to Mikkomarkkinat, with the food and goods on offer having grown significantly more diverse over time.
The combined monthly market and Autumn Festivities, held on the first Saturday of September, 7th September, will kick off the festive autumn on Mikkeli’s Market Square. In honor of traditional harvest markets, local producers will offer seasonal root vegetables, greens, apples, berries, preserves, meat, fish, and other food products.
The Mikkeli Market Traders’ Association will celebrate the harvest season by offering free soup starting at 11 a.m.
The autumn season will culminate in the two-day Mikkomarkkinat on 15th–16th October. Monthly markets will be held as usual in November and December, and the atmospheric Christmas market will open on 13th December, remaining open every day until Christmas Eve.