FESTIVAALITEEMAT 2026
Festival theme: Hands-On Traditions
The living tradition of folk music and dance is not created solely through performances, but also through craftsmanship. Musical instruments, costumes, materials, and handicraft skills form the material foundation upon which music and dance are built and passed down from generation to generation.
The theme for 2026 highlights factors that are often not visible but are nevertheless central to tradition: instrument builders, craft people, costume designers and makers, and other creative artists, whose expertise keeps folk music and dance alive. Many of the key instruments used in Finnish folk music are still handmade, and the same applies to the visual world of folk dance, i.e., costumes, fabrics, and accessories.
The theme examines handicrafts as part of the preservation and transfer of traditions, intangible cultural heritage, community spirit, and a sustainable future. Working with one's hands connects generations, strengthens participation, and creates a concrete connection to history, nature, and contemporary culture. The festival program brings these processes to the public through concerts, workshops, discussions, and encounters; not just as finished results, but as living and shared activities. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Se mitä kannat, kantaa sinua.
Pukeudu kansallispukuun, perinnepukuun tai tuunaa-mun-perinne-asuun ja tule suureen yhteiskuvaan ja pukukulkueeseen.
Perinteet käsissä – teeman merkeissä kannustamme pukeutumaan käsityötaidon ja kulttuuriperinteen näkyväksi tekemiseksi!
Torstaina 16.7.
Province Theme Northern Ostrobothnia
The annual Province theme, organized in collaboration with the Finnish Folk Music Association, aims to highlight the folk music traditions and expertise of different regions in Finland.
The Northern Ostrobothnia Theme is organized in collaboration with North Ostrobothnia Folk Music Association. kanssa.
Provincial program
- Provincial Theme Main Concert, Friday, July 17, at 3:15 p.m., KPO Arena
- Northern Ostrobothnia Evening Concert, Friday, July 17, at 6 p.m., Soittosali
- Folk dance concerts and performances
- Workshops
- Individual artists, performers, and groups from across the province throughout the week
- Konsta Van
- Oulu2026 Sauna in the Sauna Village near to the Festival area