Hämeenpuisto Transforms into a Feast of International Flavours with Italy in Focus

The International Grand Markets will take over Hämeenpuisto in Tampere from Thursday to Sunday, 17–20 September, featuring more than 150 vendors from over 30 countries, Tamperelainen reports. Stalls stretch from Puuvillatehtaankatu to Satamakatu, and the event draws tens of thousands of visitors on busy days.

Food is the main draw. This year’s theme country is Italy, with authentic pizzerias, a Parma pasta restaurant, Bolognese specialties and Southern Italian meat skewers among the offerings.

Other booths offer a wide range: an Australian stall serving kangaroo and crocodile burgers; largely vegan Nepalese dishes; Colombian arepas; vendace from Kuusamo and other Lapland delicacies; Smokery’s slow-cooked meats; a Greek gyros taverna; German bratwurst and currywurst; a French creperie; Spanish churros and a Belgian waffle café.

Beyond food there are florists, handicrafts and clothing sellers, plus a family funfair with carousels, bouncy castles and games.

Event information says booths are open Wednesday–Saturday 10:00–20:00 and Sunday 10:00–18:00. The market tour in Finland is organised by TMK (Market and Market Trade Service Center); the organisation has run the event since 2011 and takes it to about 20 towns each year from early May to early October.

The event follows other recent Tampere market and food happenings, such as the Street Food Siesta in Hiedanranta earlier this summer Street Food Siesta in Hiedanranta.