Juhannus in Hancock, Michigan
The main event of the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, Juhannus, was held in Hancock, Michigan. Fenno-Ugria participated in the week’s events.
Juhannus (Midsummer) was be celebrated in the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, Hancock, with a multi-day Finnish-American festival between 17-20 June. Representatives from Fenno-Ugria, Hõimulõimed and Uralic Centre, among others, were in attendance. The participation of the Estonian guests was funded by Finlandia Foundation National, the Kindred Peoples’ Programme and the Estonian American National Council (EANC).
Finno-Ugric Open Forum
On 18 June, the 2nd Finno-Ugric Open Forum was held in Hancock High School. The event was hosted by Uralic Centre. The forum continues a tradition that began in Narva, the 2025 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture. The special theme of this year’s forum was “Building Transatlantic Bridges.”
The forum was divided into three panels. The first was titled “State of the Finno-Ugric World”. The second was panel was “Finno-Ugric Youth Cooperation”. After the lunch break, the third panel was “Transatlantic dimension of Finno-Ugric Cooperation”. The forum ended with an open mic discussion.
Participants discussed the state of the Finno-Ugric movement, the nature of national identity, and, among other things, the opportunities for the Finnish-American community to participate in the Finno-Ugric cultural movement. Estonian President Alar Karis greeted the event in a video message. Oliver Loode, the initiator of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture movement, proposed celebrating the Kindred Peoples’ Day in Finnish-American communities on the third Saturday of October. In addition, Sukukansojen ystävät ry and Uralic Centre presented the city of Hancock with a Finno-Ugric flag to be raised that day at the Finnish-American Heritage Center.
The forum (6 h 52 mins) can be viewed below (starting from 1:20:20):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLXfNr4LcsU
The day continued with a welcome reception at the restaurant Gino’s. Following this, the day ended with a reception at the Finnish American Heritage Center, featuring live music from James Brian Wall and Kännu Peal Käbi.
Finno-Ugric Day of Culture
On Friday, 19 June, the Finno-Ugric Day of Culture took place at Hancock High School. The day was organised into three parallel lecture blocks. In addition, Tori hosted a market and music, and where felting techniques, the Hiiu kantele (jouhikko), and more was demonstrated throughout the day. At four simultaneous venues, visitors could choose to explore both Finnish-American culture and Finnish folk culture, among other topics.
Tori also displayed Fenno-Ugria’s exhibitions “The Waterfowl People” and “Eggs from the Waterfowl’s Nest” and the poster of Finno-Ugric flags as well as Piret Räni’s art exhibition “Animals in the Finno-Ugric World”.
In the morning, a discussion on the theme of national identity, titled “Who Are We?”, took place, featuring the Uralic Centre, Hõimulõimed, Fenno-Ugria and Sukukansojen ystävät ry.
Ambassadors Greeting
The day was attended by Kaisa Mikkola, Finland’s ambassador to the United States, and Kristjan Prikk, Estonia’s ambassador to the United States, who gave their greetings. This was followed by a joint gift by Fenno-Ugria, Uralic Centre and the EANC to Jim Kurtti, the main organiser of Juhannus in Hancock: volume 29 of the book on the history of the Estonian kroon, compiled by collector Toomas Kulli. This is one of 100 numbered copies signed by the author.
Presentations
Presentations were given by both local people as well as members of Fenno-Ugria, Hõimulõimed and Sukukansojen ystävät ry. Of members of Fenno-Ugria, Anti Lillak, a member of the Fenno-Ugria board, spoke about the origins of the Finno-Ugric peoples. Project Manager Patrick O’Rourke screened Lennart Meri’s film “The Waterfowl People” (1970). He also held a joint presentation with director Barbi Pilvre, who introduced the activities of Fenno-Ugria. O’Rourke discussed Finno-Ugric flags and how they can be grouped in different ways.
Kokko
In the evening, visitors could experience the sauna culture on the shores of Portage Lake, where a traditional juhannus bonfire, kokko, was lit. Local bands such as the Northern Stars Sami Girls and Rewind Band entertained the public with live music.
Juhannus and the Finno-Ugric Festival
On Saturday, June 20, the Juhannus celebrations in Hancock continued in Tori, the Finnish American Heritage Center and the Hancock Green.
On the Green, visitors could enjoy the Finno-Ugric Festival with folk music performances, a Finno-Ugric parade with flags, and the Midsummer Pole Raising Ceremony. Following this, the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture for 2027 was announced on that day. The festival continued with a wife-carrying competition and sauna games.
In the evening, the programme continued in the Finnish American Heritage Center with dance to live music, and the Orpheum Theatre across the street. There, project manager Janno Zõbin hosted a Finno-Ugric disco. This was followed by a film screening the Finnish heavy metal comedy “Heavy Trip” (2018). The evening ended with the Upper Peninsula’s first air guitar competition.
The Juhannus Festival marked a major step forward in introducing the Finno-Ugric peoples to the English-speaking world, and one could even say that it gave momentum to the transatlantic dimension of the Finno-Ugric movement. Fenno-Ugria thanks the organisers of Juhannus and all associated partners for a successful and amazing trip to the United States! May this be the beginning of fruitful co-operation!
