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What a fair!

Originally the fairs in Ekenäs were held in the market square. They took place twice a year, in winter and autumn. The last official winterfair was held in 1867, but the commerce continued for years after that.

In 1892 the authorities called off the fair due to the risk of cholera, but the need for commerce, goods and amusements made the people defy the ban, and there was a fair anyway.

In the late 19th century the fair stirred up among others the temperance movement in the city, and there were discussions about whether or not the fair should be banned altogether. No such radical changes were made, however the temperance movement started arranging evening entertainment for the market visitors, which seemed to have a calming effect on the hulabaloo.

Today the fair in Ekenäs is one of the largest in the country.

Source: Cederlöf, J.: Ekenäs stads historia III
            Cederlöf, H.: Ekenäs stads historia IV