As Gimena pointed out it’s almost time for the Sami market in Jokkmokk. And darn, this year I won’t be able to go. I went in 2005 when the market celebrated its 400-year anniversary, and let me tell you, it was really something. Unfortunately, I lost my camera that time… And finding a place to stay was almost impossible. Normally, all the hotels and rooms in private homes are booked well in advance. Yes, the market is THAT popular.

I just called the Jokkmokk tourist office to see how’s it’s going this year, and they told me the town is pretty much fully booked.

Why is the event so popular? This is THE Sami market in the world. And like I mentioned before, it’s been going on for more than 400 years. If you are interested in the Sami culture, there is no better place to visit.

photo: Jokkmokk guiderna

I am particularly upset that I can’t go this year, because one of my favorite Swedish indie bands – Mollet will be playing at the market.

Mollet are six Sami guys from Kiruna, who play what can be described as “garage jojk” or indigenous rock. And yes, they also sing in the Sami language.

They will be playing at the Jokkmokk market on February 6th at 10PM.
You can check out their music on their myspace page. Normally, when I’m driving long distances, you can see, or rather, hear me in the car jojking along to “Olles ija.

OK, now på svenska.

Var ligger Jokkmokk?
Jokkmokk ligger strax norr om polcirkeln, i hjärtat av Lappland.
Jokkmokk är känt för Jokkmokks marknad, som firade 400-årsjubileum i februari 2005, samt för sin roll som en central samisk samlingsplats.

Horse races are for wusses. We have reindeer races in Jokkmokk!

photo: hakimu, creative commons

PS. And don’t you just love saying “Jokkmokk“? It just sort of rolls off your tongue, doesn’t it?