In Focus: Nisswa’s Scandinavian Folk Music Festival

It was an European delight in the heart of Nisswa the past weekend.

The Nisswa-stamman, which also means a ‘bunch of people playing music together,’ was exactly what it was. It attracts fiddlers, nyckelharpers, and accordionists from all over the world. It celebrates music from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

“Even though we’re all Americans, it’s nice to celebrate our own ethnic heritage and keep it alive, because that makes things interesting,” program director Paul Wilson said.

The festival was held at Nisswa’s Pioneer Village, where attendees can walk into museums to learn about the many cultures and traditions that has shaped today’s community.

The daytime festival was also followed up with a traditional Scandinavian buffet and more dancing.