Growing demand for communal dining experiences across Finland as “Dinner Under the Sky” event sells out in Kajaani

There is growing demand for communal dining experiences among both acquaintances and strangers across Finland. Taru Lindblom, a professor of food culture, finds this intriguing as Finnish food culture tends to be more individualistic compared to Mediterranean countries, where large gatherings for meals are common.

The inaugural “Dinner Under the Sky” event held in Kajaani on a Thursday sold out within just over 24 hours. Similar popular large dinner events have also been organized this year in places like Oulu, Helsinki, and Heinola, where participants share their own meals.

Lindblom compares the communal dining event to eating in a restaurant, as guests choose their companions, yet may not know the other diners beforehand. “Dinner Under the Sky” combines the excitement of meeting new people with the camaraderie of sharing a table, she explains.

At the seminar’s art campus, participants gathered around a 40-meter table covered with a tablecloth. Kaija Marin, a local resident, and her guests prepared a multi-course dinner served on dishes Marin had made herself, starting the evening with sparkling wine to toast.

Erika Mankinen, who attended potluck-style, noted that gatherings with friends often revolve around meals. “The best evenings are usually spent around good food,” she reflected. The focus on aesthetically pleasing table settings played an important role in the communal dining experience, underscoring the significance of presentation in creating a welcoming atmosphere.