What is the nature of this city in Savo?

Kuopio, the largest city in North Savo, could be described as follows: Kuopio is easy to love, but hard to explain. It is a city full of emotion, from the fresh mornings to the beat of the night. Kuopio is an inspiring melting pot where the tranquillity of nature meets the bustling city, elite sports meet underground culture, future technology meets traditional crafts, and idyllic brick-and-mortar shops meet international business headquarters. At the centre of all this are the inspiring people of Kuopio who are the heart and soul of the city. The same elements can be found throughout North Savo. The region is full of life on multiple levels and has a character all its own.

Chatty by nature

Tolerance and acceptance are characteristic of people living in Savo. Innovation, courage and open-mindedness are also some of the strong traits that Kuopio locals are known for.

In North Savo, openness is rewarded with more openness and trust with more trust. You may be surprised to meet a talkative local in the market square. Both city dwellers and those who live in the peace and quiet of the countryside are a chatty bunch and have mastered the noble art of small talk. People care about each other and are never too busy to exchange a few words with someone they meet.

Locals have always been ready to accept new people and things at their own pace. They may not shake hands and immediately befriend newcomers, but start by asking questions to find out who the travellers are and what they are up to.

Encounters with strangers have made the locals tolerant and accepting, even diplomatic. Perhaps this is the essence of the jovial, easy-going nature of the people of Savo.

Local food

Clean local food is valued in the region, and the fish that are caught and the berries and mushrooms that are picked locally are put to good use. The same ingredients are used in restaurants and in the kitchens of local residents. Late summer is an especially abundant season for berries, mushrooms, vegetables and greens, which can best be seen in the local market squares. Finnish food in general is considered extremely high quality, tasty and varied.

As testament to the quality of food in North Savo, the region has been awarded the esteemed international title of European Region of Gastronomy (ERG). Regional cuisine is inspired by international food trends, and Kuopio hosts a number of events celebrating local food.

Market square culture

The market square is a natural meeting place and a hub of everyday life for the people of Savo. It is a place for meeting people you know, talking about what is going on in the world, bargaining with vendors and celebrating the championship of the local football team, for example.

The locals of Kuopio, for example, have half-jokingly named their market square “Mualiman napa”, “the center of the universe”. The market square even has its own logo indicating the spot where this centre is located. The market square has been, and still is, the centre of the universe in the daily lives of the locals in the region; a place in the heart of the city where things happen. The Market Hall, located on the market square, also supports the market culture all year round.

The market culture is still going strong. Summer is the busiest time of year, when the market square is filled with the bustle and happy chatter of people. Vendors sell fresh berries, vegetables and other seasonal produce from their stalls. The busiest season ends in October with the autumn market, preparing the market square and the entire city for the coming winter.

In recent years, the market square has also become a hub of gastronomy. Popular events in Kuopio include the street food event StreetKuopio in the spring, the Satoa Food Festival organised by local restaurants in August, and the International Grand Market in early autumn, without forgetting the wonderful Christmas Market.