The Riihimäki Hehkuu light event illuminates the courtyard of Antoni's house to everyone's delight

This year too, the Riihimäki Hehkuu light event brings light to a dark time. Riihimäki Glows this year in the courtyard of Antoni's house (Öllerinkatu 3) and you can visit it on your own from 23 December to 9. January 2025. The surroundings of the courtyard will be illuminated and a light work will be created in the courtyard of Antoni's house.

The Sukupuu light work tells the story of all of us

The light event will be opened on Monday, December 23, 2024 by Alexander Reichstein's light work called Sukupuu (family tree). In the light work, people belonging to different social groups, nationalities and cultures are mixed together, just like in real life.

The Sukupuu is based on Reichstein's interest in history and the fate of past generations. The fragility of human life and the speed of generations sinking into oblivion are the starting points of the work. It utilizes the beauty and structure of natural wood and attaches glowing human figures made by the artist to the branches.

The characters in the work look fragile and sensitive, which expresses the fragility of human life. The timeline of life starts from the bottom and climbs up: generations change, clothes and hairstyles become more and more modern. In the Sukupuu light work, beautiful music is combined with the hum of different languages, whispers, laughter and songs. The soundtrack was created by the sound artist Petri Laakso. The world, times and customs change and people adapt along with it. We are born, we live and we die and in the end we are all one branch in the family tree.

The Riihimäki Hehkuu opening ceremony offers a break from the busyness of Christmas

The Riihimäki Hehkuu light event will be opened at Antoni's house on Monday, December 23 at 18.00 with an opening speech by artist Aleksander Reichstein. After the talk, Selene Dance and Arts will perform. This fire and light show duo from Tampere is known for their enchanting light and fire shows that captivate the audience with their warmth and magic. In their performances, they combine fusion belly dance and flow arts, creating mystical and memorable ensembles for the darkening evenings. The event is open to everyone, and mulled wine is served.

Light works have been admired in Riihimäki for a few years already. The Riihimäki Hehkuu light event has become part of the city's event traditions.

"This time, light is brought to the courtyard of Antoni's house. We wanted to emphasize the valuable building and the environment through light work and lighting. A great destination for the whole family or with friends to get in the mood for Christmas," says responsible cultural producer Lyti Aaltonen.

The cultural and event services of the city of Riihimäki are responsible for the production of the Riihimäki Hehkuu light event.

www.riihimaki.fi/hehkuu