Finns flock to tango capital for festival of passionate dance

MATTI HUUHTANEN Associated Press Writer
AP Online
07-12-1998
SEINAJOKI, Finland (AP) _ The insinuating music and sweeping moves of the tango, so redolent of warm South American nights, has found a home amid Finland's cool and endless birch forests.

This year's tango festival in Seinajoki, which ended Sunday, attracted a record 100,000 people _ about one of every 50 people in a country known more for reserve than romance.

``It's like a spell,'' said Pirjo Saari, who was among the crowd on one of the outdoor dance floors.

``Once the tango grabs you, there's no letting go. You're hooked,'' she said.

The dance gives normally reserved …