Hancock 2026 opening ceremony: aftermath
The year of the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture was opened in Hancock, Michigan on 24 January 2026.
Text: Gage “Touko” Keränen
Photos: Minea Herwitz
This year’s Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, Hancock, kicked off its year on 24 January with the annual midwinter festival Heikinpäivä at the American Finnish Cultural Center. Although strong winds and cold weather forced the cancellation of outdoor events such as ring dancing, a parade, and a wife-carrying competition, the festival was still a lively gathering for local Finns, those interested in Finnish culture, and the Finno-Ugric community.
Heikinpäivä 2026
The celebrations began with the arrival of the symbol of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme, which was presented to the festival organisers by Marianne Brokaw, a local Estonian woman with roots in Mulgimaa and Võromaa. Marianne gave a short welcome speech and expressed her gratitude for Hancock’s designation as the 2026 Capital of Culture.
In accordance with Heikinpäivä traditions, various rag rugs, wooden carvings, baked goods, jewellery, and other Finnish-themed products were offered at the market (tori). The Finnish American Folk School heritage center also demonstrated spinning and weaving on looms. Musicians and dancers performed, including kantele player Sheila Coughlin and the Finnish-American children’s dance group Kivajat.
In their presentation “The Magic of Sauna Textiles”, Lisa Steinmann and Karen Rue explained the importance and history of sauna textiles: how textiles are often underappreciated, whether in the sauna or outside of it, and how textiles enrich the sauna experience. Karen Rue is the founder of Saunamekko, and Lisa Steinmann is a sauna blogger and textile enthusiast from Minnesota. Saunamekko is a sauna textile company that offers carefully designed products made from 100% merino wool.
This was followed by Gage “Touko” Keränen‘s “Finno-Ugric World Tour”, an introduction to the Finno-Ugric peoples of the world and their cultures. The presentation featured an assortment of photography, video clips, and props meant to inspire a sense of curiosity and familiarity. A few members of the audience recognised themselves amongst the images, as persons whose ancestors were Kven, Karelian, Hungarian, or Saami. An assortment of pins featuring various Finno-Ugric flags, textiles, and greetings were available for guests, as well as a selection of zines (mini books) about Hancock, Finno-Ugric peoples, and the kantele. Touko is a Finnish American whose family lives in the Copper Country (Kuparisaari).
Art exhibition
The Copper Country Community Arts Center hosted the opening event for “Animal Life: Art from Kalevala,” inspired by the Finnish-Karelian epic Kalevala. The collection included sculptures, paintings, ceramics, leatherwork, and other works of art. Each piece was inspired by a specific rune from the Kalevala.
The day ended with an evening of live music, featuring American Finnish folk music and dancing. Locals and visitors toasted to the turning of the bear and shared memories of Heikinpäiväs passed. As is typical of Finnish American functions, it could be heard here and there, “Your aunt is my neighbor!” or “I was your brother’s teacher!”
Nostalgia, cheer, and a longing for sauna was in the air as the evening celebration wrapped up.
Month of celebrations
The Heikinpäivä spirit was not limited to just one day, as the entire month featured Finnish classes and folk school classes on inkle band weaving, chip carving, and pottery. The Finno-Ugric spirit is alive in snowy Hancock and the community is excited to welcome their international kin in June for Juhannus. The sauna is warmed for you!”
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Oliver Loode
capitals@uralic.org
+372 513 2992
