History

The very first Hamina Tattoo on 1990 was the result of long preparatory work; after all, this was event which had not existed before and which was unfamiliar to and unseen by the public.

The original idea of military music days probably came about in the early 1980s within Hamina’s tourist services. The idea was adopted and prepared further in different committees and by a consultant. The Finnish Defence Forces have provided invaluable support throughout the history of the Hamina Tattoo. The venue of the first Tattoo in Finland was Steveco’s large warehouse at the Port of Hamina, which provided shelter against rain and wind until the fourth Tattoo in 1996.

The Hamina Tattoo has established its position in the Finnish and international military music scene, raising the popularity and appreciation of military music and providing Finnish military music with international influences.