On 27 May, Fashion in Helsinki 2026 held a fashion presentation at the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. I attended as an invited guest and filmed the event, where new perspectives on Finnish fashion met the island’s historic setting.
Seurasaari was a distinctive setting for the presentation. The open-air museum’s buildings have been brought to the island from different parts of Finland, and nature surrounds them. Against that backdrop, the new collections became part of a scene that also told a story about Finnish cultural heritage.
Fashion in Helsinki 2026 presentation in Seurasaari
Eleven designers, eleven perspectives
The presentation featured work by Idaliina Friman, Linda Kokkonen, Sini Saavala, Taneli Ukura, Ellen Rajala, Jim Bergström, Ilari Kokkola, Apollo Da Costa Doria, Enni Lähderinne, Nana Lybeck and Anni Salonen. Together they showed a range of creative visions and approaches to craftsmanship. Contemporary Nordic fashion, as this presentation made clear, has room for many different voices.
Minttu Vesala provided the artistic direction. Hair was by Miika Kemppainen and team, and make-up by Jenny Jansson and team. The event was held in collaboration with the National Museum of Finland.
Old church in seurasaari island worked as one of the fashion runways
Watch my video from Fashion in Helsinki
I filmed the Seurasaari presentation so you can see the designers’ work and get a sense of the setting. For me, the location made this a memorable Helsinki event: new Finnish fashion appeared alongside buildings that preserve stories from the country’s past.
Goa is often described through its beaches, but an evening on the Mandovi River offers a different view of the state. As a boat leaves Panaji, the city’s waterfront begins to recede, the river opens up, and the sunset becomes the main attraction. Depending on the cruise, the journey might be a quiet chance to enjoy the scenery or a lively evening of music, dancing and food.
The Mandovi runs alongside Panaji, Goa’s capital, before reaching the Arabian Sea. River cruises are a popular way to see the city from the water, particularly in the early evening. Goa Tourism highlights the sunset views, while cruise operators offer several styles of trip, from short sightseeing cruises to longer dinner cruises. (Goa Tourism Development Corporation)
Watch my video of Mandovi river cruise in night time in 2007. See Goan folk dance and other dancing as well.
Mandovi river cruise in Panjim 2007
What is a Mandovi River cruise like?
A typical evening sightseeing cruise lasts around an hour. Passengers can watch Panaji and the riverbanks from the boat while enjoying an onboard programme that may include music and Goan folk dances. Some cruises have a DJ and a more energetic atmosphere, so the experience can feel as much like an evening show as a sightseeing trip. (bookings.goa-tourism.com)
Sunset is an appealing time to go. In daylight, you can take in the views along the river; as the light changes, Panaji’s waterfront takes on a different character. For photographs, it is worth finding a place on an open deck early, if your boat has one. Goa Tourism specifically recommends a seat towards the front for views of the riverbanks.
Dancers on board on Mandovi river cruise Goa
Sunset cruise or dinner cruise?
The best choice depends on the kind of evening you want. A short sunset cruise works well if you mainly want to see the Mandovi from the water and still have time for dinner elsewhere. A dinner cruise makes the boat trip the evening’s main event, with food and entertainment included in the programme. Operators advertise different durations and inclusions, so check the particular cruise before booking.
If you prefer a calmer outing, read the description carefully. A cruise promoted for dancing or a party atmosphere may feel very different from a sightseeing trip focused on the views. Families and travellers interested in Goan performance may enjoy the folk dance programme, while photographers may prefer a departure that gives them more time on deck before dark.
Practical tips for booking a Mandovi cruise
Most visitors will find it convenient to start their search in Panaji. Before paying, confirm the departure jetty, boarding time, trip length and what the ticket includes. Food, drinks and seating arrangements vary between cruises. It is also sensible to check the day’s weather and the operator’s latest instructions, especially if your plans depend on catching the sunset. Cruise listings show departures from different jetties in the Panaji area, including the Tourism Jetty and Santa Monica Jetty. (Mandovirivercruises)
A Mandovi River cruise is an easy addition to a day exploring Panaji. After time spent walking through the city, the boat gives you a chance to slow down and see Goa from another angle. Choose the cruise for its atmosphere as well as its route, and the river can become one of the most memorable parts of an evening in Goa.
Find more nice ideas for your trip to Goa from my Goa guide
