Saami market turns 400

Last week marked the 400th anniversary of the traditional Saami winter market in Jokkmokk, Sweden, an event that has continued on a yearly basis despite storms and war in the region.

The market generally takes place for three days during the first week of February, but this year, the market lasted an entire week, drawing 45,000 visitors, including many Saami from throughout northern Europe and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

The market was set up in the middle of Jokkmokk — in the same location it’s been in since the 1600s — where about 500 booths sold everything from knives to animal skins.

A full schedule of cultural events went on in a snow arena, which was built on the ice of a nearby lake. Seating was provided on reindeer hides, which were auctioned off on the last day of the market.