Cultural gangs Baxar sauna from Ostrobothnia to Eurovision

One could easily believe that the gang behind the sauna to Basel are crazy quay fans or deducted Eurovision nerds. But Robin Nyman notes that he does not have Axel Åhman’s name tattooed anywhere, and that he is even a little unsure why you compete in music at all.

Still, he and four friends will soon be in an old Volvo to transport a newly built sauna to northern Switzerland, just for the Eurovision final in Basel on May 17. The journey will start in Jakobstad in a couple of weeks and the preparations can already be followed on the group’s social media, under the aforementioned name.

The idea for the project Was born when the quay exclaimed « now we bax the sauna to Basel » during the victory ride after the middle final. But the most important thing is not whether the sauna actually arrives or not, thinks the initiator Nyman, it is the community and human meetings during the journey.

– If happy Ostrobothnian action is to come to life at some point, it is now, says Nyman.

Also on the trip comes comedian OA Lönnbäck, artist Tom Tiainen and photographers Aja and Algot Lund. Everyone except the latter passenger is known locally, who are clear cultural nissions with various projects in progress.

Behind the production There are also a number of other entrepreneurs in the cultural and media industry. One of them is the graphic artist and the advertiser Anders Eklund. He breathes out, satisfied not to have to go on the approximately 2,600 kilometer journey. His task is instead to cut and produce the video material that is posted before and during the trip.

His dream would be to make a road movie in the style of Filip and Fredrik’s acclaimed documentary « The last trip ». But Eklund accepts that it is impossible with the group’s scarce time and resources.

– But we try to maximize the project as best we can, he says.

In the latest video, viewers are asked to tip about interesting people and places that the portable sauna should look up along the roads. In other words, the route is anything but nailed.

From Vaasa they take the ferry over to Umeå and go towards Örnsköldsvik, perhaps via Skuleberget, with the aim of Öresund. But the rest will clear later.

The goal is to arrange sauna nights in beautiful places, and film when different kinds of guests show up to socialize, discuss, perform with music – and best, of course.

When the sauna is built During the weekend it will be done in collaboration with a metal and wooden company, and a sheet metal warehouse that will dress the roof in copper. The symbolic idea behind the roof is that the sauna should shine in gold during the return journey, to celebrate Kaj’s victory.

– Bert Karlsson said that Kaj will win, so we have to believe him, says Eklund.

They are most happy that several private individuals have contacted the travelers, and offered them sleeping places during the trip (otherwise the plan is to solve the accommodation with tents).

Someone has also offered half a cubic meter of firewood for the fire, someone else a sauna. The other day Eklund also found a package of sauna stones on his staircase.

– The most delightful thing is that it is not only us who do this project, but that it is something we do with others, says Nyman.

The local patriotic gang Behind the sauna to Basel is inexpensively proud of the Ostrobothnian identity and culture. And is inspired by the quay, who according to them distinguished themselves in daring to do their own thing.

– They do not ponder how others perceive them, but have just wanted to have fun together throughout the trip. It is fantastic in an anxious world where many just try to copy each other, and find the magic formula both artistically, business and medially to succeed, says Nyman.

The quay is not involved when the sauna is to be balled, as they are not allowed to do advertising collaborations while the Eurovision is ongoing, according to the competition rules. The humor group has urged its 240,000 instagram followers to follow the trip, and the hope is that the quay will appear in the series for a bath and barbecue sausage after the victory in the final.

There are different labels when it comes to sauna. What rules apply to you?

– It will be a cozy journey with respect for everyone. We are responsible for noting nothing to our sponsors. It will be fun and kind evenings, says Eklund.

– The whole nake will not be, nor the old stereotypical image of Finns who compete for who can sit at the longest in the sauna, or drink most vodka, says Nyman.

Read more:

Municipality in Finland hires Kaj coordinator-getting ready for « sauna tourism »

Finland praises the quay: « A Bastumisil »