There is a long tradition of oral storytelling that runs through the history of Swedish Lapland. Like our forefathers, we still gather around the fire and share matters of importance and everyday news with each other, tall tales and stories about how things were and what is around the corner. The urge to communicate with our fellow beings is in our genes. One of the best-known and most popular authors in the region, and in Sweden, is Mikael Niemi who grew up in Pajala. Thanks to him people have been able to share a completely new picture of life in the Torne Valley. Visitors from far and near are drawn to Pajala, inspired by his book “Popular music from Vittula”.