Taiwanese Flavors Take Center Stage as F:F:F Taiwan-Finland Cultural Festival Returns to Finland in July

Central News Agency Report

(Taipei, June 12 — Reporter Wang Pao-erh) Last year, Taiwan's Representative to Finland Freddy Lim performed with the band Chthonic at the inaugural F:F:F Taiwan-Finland Cultural Festival, drawing international media attention with his rockstar appearance. The second edition of the festival will return to Finland in July, and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stated that this year’s event will include a cultural market aimed at boosting Taiwan-Finland cultural exchange.

The 2nd F:F:F - Formosa : Finland : Fest. Taiwan-Finland Cultural Festival is organized by the National Cultural Association, under guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Council of Indigenous Peoples. A pre-event press conference was held today, with performance groups including the bands MEOZO and百合花 (Bai He Hua), and DJ Ru Ni making appearances.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu joked, “When we launched the first F:F:F Cultural Festival last year, I already said it wouldn’t be a one-time event. Since last year, the Ministry has been promoting the ‘European Taiwan Cultural Year,’ and we’re continuing that this year. I sincerely thank the National Cultural Association for hosting the F:F:F Festival, which is crucial for Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy in Europe.”

Wu emphasized, “Taiwan and Europe are both free and democratic societies, and mutual appreciation is a hallmark of such nations. If everyone moves in perfect unison like in Tiananmen or Pyongyang, that would be strange—I’d think it was AI-generated, a copy. People have individuality, and so do nations.”

He added that Finland is a heavy metal and rock powerhouse, and through the festival’s vibrant performances and market activities combining food, music, and entertainment, the goal is to foster love among free people through culture. He also announced that direct flights between Taiwan and Finland are currently under discussion, with hopes for early implementation to further enhance cultural exchange.

Representative Freddy Lim, in a pre-recorded message, said, “I’ve attended Thai, Japanese, and Korean Asian markets in Finland, but there hasn’t been a Taiwanese market for years. This F:F:F Taiwan-Finland Cultural Festival will host Finland’s first-ever Taiwan-themed market—I feel deeply honored.”

Lim noted that last year’s festival generated significant online and media buzz, even going viral in the United States—an outcome unimaginable in traditional diplomacy. It also provided a platform for political figures and diplomats who previously couldn’t attend Taiwan-related events due to political constraints to engage with Taiwan.

Jere Tala, Deputy Representative of Business Finland, said, “I love Taiwanese rock music. Last year, I attended Mega Port Festival for the first time. Finnish bands were warmly welcomed by Taiwanese audiences. What started as a small event 20 years ago has become a major cultural festival. I believe F:F:F has the same DNA and will continue to grow into a fantastic event.”

The 2nd F:F:F Taiwan-Finland Cultural Festival is scheduled to take place on July 11, 2024, at Narinkka Square in Helsinki, Finland. (Editor: Long Po-an) 1150612

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