Midwinter Feast
Midwinter Feast is a medieval event where we spend the weekend in medieval costumes dancing, singing, doing archery, making crafts, eating, having sauna, etc. You can choose what you want to participate in, you don’t need to know anything in advance and you can do what you are interested in. Everyone is welcome to the event, but remember to register early, sometimes the events fill up quickly when registration starts.

You will need to bring accommodation supplies (sheets & pillowcase), personal items (such as medications, etc.), medieval clothing (outerwear depending on the weather) and dishes for eating.
Let me know if you need any clothes or supplies to borrow.

The event will have tablecloths and LED candles ready. You are welcome to bring your own LED candles and lanterns if you wish.
Real fire/candles are not allowed!

The showers and sauna are stocked with detergents (soap, shampoo, conditioner). Toothpaste, hand sanitizer, dishwashing detergent & brushes, and small items such as earplugs, safety pins, etc. are available near the toilets in the main buildings. There is also a loaner box for small items that you might forget.

When arriving on Friday, please come first come to the Main hall (to info table) where you will get information and we will know that you have arrived.
Please take your belongings and other things to the accommodation cabin (which does not have to be medieval), as there is limited storage space in the hall and we strive to maintain the medieval spirit in the hall by not displaying mundane (everyday) items. For this reason, we also ask that you avoid using modern technology such as phones in the hall or other public places.

When arriving, many people wear normal comfortable travel clothes, please change into medieval clothes on Friday after arriving.

Inside, you will be wearing socks or indoor shoes/slippers. The floor can be slippery in places. Medieval/neutral outdoor shoes are best left in the wind closet when you come inside. There is some hanger space in the entryway for cloaks etc. When it comes to outdoor equipment, it is better to wear modern shoes etc. than to freeze your feet.

The event has a wide variety of programs that you can participate in if you wish. There are also things you can do yourself, such as medieval board games, craft tools and supplies, pens & paper, etc. The people in the hall will be happy to advise you if you need instructions or help using these. At the event program schedule and information can be found on the wall of the hall aswell as in internet. You can still request a program or offer to hold one if you wish. The courts held at the event are a unique program, where dignified rulers (royals and baronials) handle their affairs with the help of a herald, while others watch and participate admiringly. We try to let the people who are invited forward pass smoothly, and general courtesy will do just fine. The court is largely a “guided program”, which you don’t need to get particularly excited about.

The feast on Saturday evening includes food served to the tables in several settings, with a program in between. The waiters bring serving dishes to the ends of the tables, from where the people sitting at the table are asked to take the dishes they want and pass the dish to the next person. The waiters are reminded to say whether one dish contains food for the whole table or for part of it, but this can also be asked. Allergy versions of the required dishes are also brought to the table (with the name). Empty and unnecessary dishes can be brought to the side table of the hall or given to the waiters when they bring the next setting. At the party, drinks are also offered in connection with the setting

The hall will be open throughout the event, but late at night, guests are asked to limit their noise levels, as some of the event’s accommodations are located near the hall.

Encounters
It is great to meet old friends at the event, but also to find new acquaintances. We encourage everyone to chat with others, help, guide and encourage in a good way.
Not everyone may be ready for hugs and some may want a little more space. We ask that everyone respect everyone’s boundaries.

Everyone is welcome to help with the event. While helping, you may also get to know new people in a nice way. However, “just being there” is also completely allowed – the event should be enjoyable for everyone. =)

If the hustle and bustle of the hall is too much for you, it is worth taking a breather outside, in the accommodation cabin, or come and tell the organizers Kaarina or Susanna – we will try to find a quiet place to breathe.

We also remind you that
“THE FINNISH MEDIEVAL SOCIETY PROHIBITS BULLYING, DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT OF ALL INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS. Such actions will lead to an investigation and appropriate sanctions. If you are the subject of harassment, bullying or retaliation, or if you notice someone being harassed or bullied, please contact the harassment contact person or the main organizer of the event, the seneschal of Aarnimetsä or the seneschal of the municipality in question.”

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