The Spirits of Helsinki – Ghost stories from the shadows of the city’s history
Who wanders through the corridors and courtyards of Helsinki’s old buildings at night? Non-fiction writer Vanessa Kairulahti will give a talk on the background and significance of the city’s ghost stories. The lecture will be in Finnish.
Why do restless spirits continue to haunt their stomping grounds for decades or even centuries? And why do we tell stories about ghosts in the first place? Helsinki’s history is steeped in tales of ghosts, unexplained encounters and the dead who have refused to leave the world of the living. In these stories, real places, historical figures and even tragic human destinies intertwine with beliefs, values, fears and traditions passed down from one generation to the next.
Vanessa Kairulahti’s lecture will feature stories about Helsinki’s ghosts and haunted places, as well as offer a glimpse behind the tales: where did these stories originate, and what roles have ghost stories played within communities? After all, ghost stories are not just about the dead. They also tell us about the living: their fears, their beliefs and the way they understand the world and the past.
Non-fiction writer Vanessa Kairulahti is the co-author of ‘Helsingin henget – opas aaveiden pääkaupunkiin’ book on ghosts in Helsinki and a professional in the museum and culture sector. She is well-versed in Helsinki’s ghost stories, religious studies and folk beliefs, and has produced the popular ghost walks for the Helsinki City Museum.
Events take place at Kulttuurikulma 4A on the second Wednesday of every month. The programme features lectures and discussions on history and culture relating to the City Museum’s themes and current topics.
You can enjoy the event in person or on the Helsinki City Museum’s YouTube channel. Free entry!
