Explore Finland – Explore Finland Radio Show

The History & Tradition of Tar-making in Kuortane

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Episode notes

Part one of a two-part episode...

When I asked about visiting the "Terwaviikko" (Tar Week) event in Kuortane, I was quickly introduced to Michael Hutchinson-Reis, a fellow Londoner in Finland, who is now firmly involved in the Lions Club of Kuortane that organises the weeklong tar-making event that takes three years of preparation.

Michael invited me to visit the tar pit in Kuortane a few times across the week, to learn how tar is made and to witness different stages of the tar-making process.

In this episode, Michael explains how wood-tar is produced and the great cultural and historical importance this industry has for the village of Kuortane.

Blog: show notes and links https://explorefinlandpodcast.com/2022/10/16/history-of-tar-making-and-kuortane-terwaviikko/

Guest: Michael Hutchison-Reis and Kuortane Terwaviikko

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