The city of Kuhmo was selected as the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture for the year 2023. This year as the Capital of Culture has been a significant milestone in the preservation and revitalization of Finno-Ugric cultures and languages. Kuhmo has particularly invested in the development of cultural tourism and the strengthening of Nordic connections.
Kuhmo’s Capital of Culture year has offered a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of minority languages and cultures while also promoting cultural tourism. Collaboration and the creation of connections are possible even in challenging international situations. Culture is one way to bridge differences and build connections between different nations and cultures.
Seminars and Cultural Tourism
The development of cultural tourism is one of the key objectives for Kuhmo’s Capital of Culture year. A seminar was held in Kuhmo in June 2022 among Nordic participants. The seminar emphasized the importance of cultural tourism for Kuhmo, particularly in relations with the Nordic countries and Central Europe.
Sommelo Music Festival
The Sommelo Festival was chosen as the main event of the year and was executed on a larger and more abundant scale than usual. Nordic countries and northern cultures were especially well represented, and the festival gathered approximately 7,000 concert visits.
August Films
In collaboration with the Pajakkakino Theater and Juminkeko, a week of Finno-Ugric films was organized in August 2023. The films depicted the characteristics and current state of various Finno-Ugric cultures and received widespread attention.
Capital of Culture Year website: https://runolaulu.fi/suomalais-ugrilainen-kulttuuripaakaupunki-2023/