As one of the most recognizable objects of Finnish design, the Festivo candle holders by Timo Sarpaneva have made a lasting impression on the world of glassware and interior design. Designed in 1966 and introduced into production in 1967, Festivo candle holders remain celebrated more than half a century later for their distinctive sculptural silhouettes, textured, ice-like surfaces, and timeless elegance. Festivo was created in collaboration with Finnish glassworks iittala and remains an enduring icon of iittala's glassmaking tradition. What began as an unexpected idea evolved into a design classic, admired for its ability to balance artistic expression with everyday functionality. From the story behind its creation to the designer’s remarkable career, Festivo offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of one of Iittala’s most famous collections.
The Origins of Festivo
The origins of the iittala Festivo Candle Holder actually trace back to an entirely different design. In the 1960s, Finnish artist Timo Sarpaneva and his close circle of friends, known as the Veljeskunta, or “Brotherhood,” gathered annually for a traditional Christmas lunch. Inspired by these occasions, Sarpaneva envisioned an oversized wine glass designed to hold an entire bottle of wine, featuring a sculptural stem with a series of rounded, knotted forms. While developing this design at the Iittala Glass Factory, master glassblower Reijo Löflund recognized the potential of the distinctive stem as a standalone object and suggested adapting it into a candle holder instead. The prototype of a new classic was born.
Festivo is characterized by a lively, textured surface that resembles melting ice, paying ode to the beauty of Nordic winter landscapes that Sarpaneva grew up with. Along with its distinctive textured surface, Festivo features defining rings around the stem that creates sculptural elegance and enhances its icy look. Festivo candle holders are available in different sizes, each featuring a different number of rings and a unique height. Designed to complement one another, these variations can be displayed individually or grouped together to create a layered arrangement that adds visual interest to any space.
A Glass Expert
Timo Sarpaneva (1926–2006) was one of Finland’s most influential designers, celebrated for his ability to transform glass into sculptural works of art. Before his Festivo design, Timo Sarpaneva had already established himself as a leading figure in Finnish glassmaking, known for his innovative approach to the medium and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional glass design. He believed that "you must give glass freedom, nothing can be achieved by force – not with glass or with people." His expertise combined a deep understanding of traditional glassblowing techniques with a willingness to experiment with form, texture, and material. Fascinated by the natural qualities of glass, he explored its transparency, weight, and ability to capture light, often drawing inspiration from organic forms and the Nordic landscape. His innovative approach earned international recognition, including prestigious awards at the Milan Triennale and the Lunning Prize in 1956. These achievements laid the foundation that would later shape his iconic Festivo design.
Having sold millions of pieces worldwide, Festivo continues to be one of Finland's most celebrated design objects and is represented in museum collections around the world. The candleholders have been in production since 1967 and are still manufactured at the Iittala glass factory in Finland, the same place where this design was born. In 2026, we celebrate 100 years since the birth of Timo Sarpaneva, whose creative vision continues to live on through designs like Festivo. The collection remains a testament to his mastery of glass and his lasting influence on Finnish design.
Information & Images Courtesy of: iittala & Sarpaneva Design
