Like many European towns, this too has its chocolate corners. Brunberg’s Chocolate Factory goes back to 1871. Tasting chocolates in Finland is always an interesting experience. Some combinations appear to have been devised just to shock you. Chilli chocolate is one such concoction, strictly for those who enjoy confusion.

The summer months are when the action hots up in Porvoo. May will see the focus on design with local design promoters holding events. And of course on May 12, Porvoo, like other Finnish towns, will screen the final of Eurovision that’s being held at Helsinki this year.

This is certainly Finland’s big musical leap. Eurovision is an annual competition held among member countries of the European Broadcasting Union—Sweden’s ABBA and Celine Dion for Switzerland have been notable winners. The country that finishes first gets to host the next Eurovision. In the past, Finland would more or less finish last.

Last year, to the consternation of many, the country sent out its heavy metal band, Lordi, for Eurovision. In their monster costumes and masked faces—the band members never appear without their masks—Lordi were unlikely participants in a competition associated with folk songs.

A coordinator at the Finnish Tourist Board sums up the popular sentiment: ‘‘Many of us were like, ‘Oh God, why have sent these monsters to represent us?’’’

But the bad guys finished first. Much to the astonishment of the Finns, Europe voted overwhelmingly for Lordi. The group now has a square named after them in their native town and has given the country the chance to host Eurovision — a big tourism opportunity not just for Helsinki but the entire country. Porvoo too can hope for more footfalls.