Närpes Mat & Mystik |

Närpes Mat & Mystik 5-6 September

Welcome to Närpes Mat & Mystik, a magical two-day event in September where culture, food, and mystique blend to create an experience beyond the ordinary! Immerse yourself in the rich multiculturalism and unique culinary traditions that make Närpes a place full of flavors and surprises.

Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy local delicacies and discover new tastes from the diverse food cultures brought by our new residents. Take a bite of the world and give your taste buds a culinary adventure!

On Friday evening, the center of Närpes transforms into a vibrant scene with lively performances, cozy food stands, and fun activities for children in the park. The atmosphere is electric, and there's something for all ages to enjoy!

On Saturday, the event spreads throughout Närpes. Explore charming markets and fairs, discover hidden gems, and dive into both the traditional and new cultures that thrive here.

Be sure not to miss the highlight of the autumn in Närpes!
Whether you are a food lover, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a lovely weekend with family and friends, Närpes Mat & Mystik will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Programme 2025

The stage at the square

18:00-18:30
Närpes skolmusikkår and Närpes drill
18:40
Flow Dance Company
19:45-20:15
Asian moonfestival
20:15
Lantern parade
The parade starts at 8:15 PM from the square
20:30
The Rogues
Irish folkmusic

Frans Henriksonssalen

19:00-19:45
FolkBaroque-concert
Harpsichordist Tea Polso dives into the wild rhythms of folk and baroque music together with young violinists Iikka Huntus and Erkki Virkkala. All three musicians come from Kaustinen and bring with them the region’s rich fiddling traditions. In collaboration with Närpes Mat & Mystik and the City of Närpes. 🎟️ Free admission – doors open at 18:45.
21:00
The Conjuring: Last Rites
Skräckfilm som visas av Biobio Showtime. Filmens handling: Paranormalutredarna Ed och Lorraine Warren tar sig an ett sista skrämmande fall som involverar mystiska varelser de måste konfrontera. Åldersgräns 16år, 13 år med vuxet sällskap. 12,50€ inträde. Boka plats på https://mittistan.sitt.fi/sv.

Parken

Aktiviteter för barn

18:00
The magical bookbus
Step aboard the library’s magical book bus – where fairy-tale characters are waiting to greet you! Borrow exciting books, discover new worlds, and let your imagination take you anywhere.
18:00
Kamu the cat
Lokaltapiola
18:00-20:00
Be an architect for a day!
Unleash your imagination and create your own 3D buildings – anything from your dream house to futuristic skyscrapers. Perfect for school children (and adults) who want to test their creativity.
19:00
Spinning Art – watch the magic happen!
Come and experience how colors swirl and blend as we create unique artworks using spinning technique. The spins, the speed, and the colors make each painting a one-of-a-kind masterpiece – and you can be part of it as it happens!
18:00-20:00
Make your own lantern
Craft a lantern for the lantern parade
18.00
Bouncy Castle
A colorful bouncy castle where children can play, laugh, and jump to their heart’s content!
18:00-21:00
Giant soap bubbles
How big of a bubble can you blow? 🫧
18:00-20:00
Marthamakers popup stickcafé
Do you need to know how to knit to become a Martha? Absolutely not! Come sit in the grass and knit or crochet for a while. If you're a beginner, you can give it a try – we’ll help you with tips and guidance! You can start with a granny square, which we'll then sew together with others into blankets and donate to nursing homes.
18:00
Närpes Församling
Kom och lek i vår sandlåda fylld av månsand. Du kan också prova att kasta ärtpåse och kanske tävla med kompisarna om vem som kastar bäst.

Food sales on and around the square

17:00
Food sales and pub
Oneil´s Kitchen
17:00
Fish sandwich
Skepparklubben
17:00
Asian food
17:00
Muurikka-pancakes
17:00
hamburgers, fries
Citygrillen
17:00
Coffee, cakes, and other treats
Kaffestugan
17:00

Other meal sales

17:00-21:00
Shrimp buffet Red&green
Buffet with salads, shrimp, crayfish, Skagen mix, delicious cheeses, Rhode Island sauce, aioli, baguette, bouillabaisse soup, blue mussels in white wine & French fries, Västerbotten cheese pie, plus coffee & dessert.
17:00-21:00
Cornelia
Savory and sweet waffles to enjoy in Cornelia’s beautiful garden or inside the cozy "Nötset"
11:00-02:00
La Taverna
Mat enligt menyn serveras till 21:00. Karaoke i puben.

Additional activities

21:00
Mystery Tour in the Sculpture Park
Join Närpes Guide Club for an exciting walk filled with stories and secrets in the sculpture park at Öjskogsparken. We start from the parking area – do you dare to come along?
8:00-21:00
The exhibition hall
Exhibition by Miia Berg, artist of the year in Närpes
15:00-22.00
Café Albert Open House
Karaoke, games, and a warm sense of community for all ages – plus delicious items for sale from our menu. Come join the fun! 🎤🧩

Free bus on Saturday, September 6

On Saturday, you can hop on a free bus that takes you to various happenings around Närpes.
Join in for a day full of events – and enjoy the ride for free!

Do you want to be part of Närpes Mat & Mystik?

Program on Friday and Saturday
Närpes Food & Mystique takes place over two days, filled with activities and happenings on both Friday and Saturday. Friday evening features cultural programs, food stalls, and children’s activities in the town center. On Saturday, events and markets spread throughout the municipality.

What’s required to join?
Anyone can take part! We hope you want to join – either in the town center on Friday evening or by organizing your own activity somewhere in Närpes on Saturday. Just a reminder: it doesn’t have to be big or expensive – every small happening helps build a vibrant and cozy overall experience. It’s enough to sell those extra jars of raspberry jam or cuttings from your houseplants 😊 Or maybe you have a collection of neckties or something else to show off while selling your freshly baked cinnamon buns?

I don’t have a shop or business – where can I be?
On Saturday, we group smaller happenings into larger units we call “hubs”. Last year, for example, these were hosted at Wickmans Nursery, Strandhem, and Öfvermark Lemonade. If you want to join one of these hubs, you can contact them directly. If you want to organize your own hub or have other questions, feel free to contact Maria Filippa or Sofia at Dynamo Närpes. We already know there will be activities in Övermark, Nämpnäs, Rangsby, Näsby, and Finby – but we’d love to see even more villages get involved! If you have an idea for something in your village, big or small, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help brainstorm and support your planning.

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What is a Moon Festival?
The Moon Festival is a traditional holiday celebrated in several Asian countries, such as China, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. The holiday falls according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which means the date varies slightly depending on the interpretation in different regions.
The Moon Festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is also a significant family celebration, where the full moon symbolizes unity and togetherness. During the festival, families gather to enjoy mooncakes, traditional pastries that have become an iconic symbol of the holiday. The festival is characterized by lively traditions such as lion and dragon dances, lantern processions, and performances. These colorful elements create a magical atmosphere and deepen the sense of community and gratitude.
Moon Festival in Närpes
The Moon Festival, which was first introduced in 2022 during the Närpes Mat & Mystik event, has become a beloved part of the festival and continues to be featured. Visitors can enjoy vibrant performances, take part in atmospheric lantern parades, and be fascinated by the traditional lion and dragon dances. Additionally, they can taste the traditional mooncakes, offering a unique culinary experience in connection with the festival.
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The history behind Närpes Mat & Mystik
Närpes Mat & Mystik has evolved from two previous events that combined art, culture, and culinary experiences in Närpes.
Slättens Mystik (1997–2001)
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Slättens Mystik was organized at Söff in Yttermark. The initiative came from Karin Lipkin-Forsén and Aija Lumme, with Karin coining the name. The event offered a unique evening of art and culture, providing both local and invited artists an opportunity to showcase their talents.
The courtyard and surrounding area of Söff, including Jakobsgården, were transformed into a creative and safe environment with art exhibitions, performance artists, and pyrotechnics that created a magical atmosphere. The event also included cultural elements where new residents presented their heritage through art and performances. Towards the end of the event’s history, food began to play a larger role in the experience.
Matfesten på tre arenor (2011)
In 2011, a food festival was held in Öjskogsparken as part of the a project called Matfestivalen på tre arenor ("Food festival in three arenas"). Dynamo Närpes was responsible for the part of the event held in Närpes, focusing on local culinary culture and offering visitors unique taste experiences.
The beginning of Slättens Mat & Mystik (2012)
In 2012, the idea emerged to combine the concept of the food festival with the legacy of Slättens Mystik. Dynamo Närpes raised to the initiative and created Slättens Mat & Mystik, a two-day event in central Närpes. Over the years, the event evolved with various formats and themes to attract both local visitors and tourists.
A new concept and name change (2022–2023)
In 2022, the event underwent a major concept update. The focus was on creating a vibrant cultural and culinary event with a clear structure:
Friday night in the town center: Performances, food stands, and activities for children in the square and park.
Saturday with adventures throughout Närpes: Visitors could explore markets and fairs and enjoy local culture and food at multiple locations around town.
In 2023, the event was renamed as Närpes Mat & Mystik to better reflect its diverse content and to establish Närpes as a cultural and culinary destination.
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Program throughout Närpes – experience food, culture, and mystique!
On Friday evening, the center of Närpes transforms into a vibrant stage where culture, flavors, and community come together. There's something in store for all ages!
At the square, the Culinary Market offers flavors from all over the world. Try dishes made with local ingredients and enjoy international delicacies! Restaurants stay open with special menus featuring the Food & Mystique theme.
The square features vibrant performances, performance art, and unique experiences like the Asian Moon Festival. For the youngest visitors, fun activities await in the park, and the whole family can enjoy exciting program throughout the center.
Saturday – all of Närpes in a festive spirit
On Saturday, the event spreads throughout Närpes. Discover the charm of the town by exploring everything from markets and art exhibitions to local farms and open museums.
Engaged associations and creative businesses invite you to activities and happenings all around the city. You’ll get the chance to see Närpes from new perspectives, whether you are a food lover, culture enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy a wonderful weekend with family and friends.
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