News

The International Finno-Ugric Student Conference (IFUSCO) took place at the University of Helsinki from 11–15 May. This is an annual event that brings together students, activists, and young researchers interested in Uralic languages and peoples. This year marked the 41st time that IFUSCO was organised, with approximately 140 participants, most of whom attended in person.

Fenno-Ugria’s latest yearbook focuses, among other things, on fascinating political documents: Hannele Valkeeniemi, Director of the Finnish Institute, provides an overview of Russian influence operations …

On 21 May, the opening of Piret Räni’s exhibition “Animals in the Mythology of Finno-Ugric Peoples” took place at the Estonian Embassy in Brussels. At the same time, Barbi Pilvre, director of Fenno-Ugria, gave a half-hour overview of the situation of Finno-Ugric peoples in Russia in recent years, based on a report commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Estonian National Museum (ENM) has opened an exhibition titled “The Peoples of the Northern Forests” at the Finnish Hunting Museum in Riihimäki, Finland. Opening …

On 17 May, the Republic of Komi celebrated Komi Language and Literature Day. The republic’s leaders congratulated the residents of Komi, emphasising the importance of the Komi language and noting that the celebration was part of the Year of Ethnic Unity proclaimed by the President of Russia.

The second call for cultural and educational projects under the Kindred People’s Programme is open. The deadline for the applications is 7 May 2026, 11:59 …

On 12 April, the 18th issue of Alkukoti ("Homeland"), a Finnish-language magazine introducing Finno-Ugric peoples, their languages, and cultures, was presented at the M.A. Castrén Society’s premises in Helsinki.

URALIC Centre (Estonia), in cooperation with Sukukansojen ystävät ry (Finland) announced the start of the competition for the title of Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2027. The special theme of the year 2027 will be 'Sustainable Finno-Ugric Tourism'. The winner of the competition will be announced on 20 June 2026 in Hancock (Michigan, USA).

The year of the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture was opened in Hancock, Michigan on 24 January 2026.

The Tartu branch of the Finnish Institute has move to Tampere House at the beginning of this year, turning the building into a broader centre for Finnish culture. At the beginning of 2026, the Ainola Centre has begun operating there.

The international Finno-Ugric community has been deeply saddened by the news that the outstanding Komi ethnofuturist artist Yury Lisovski has passed away (11 April 1964 …

The 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture year was opened in Hancock, Michigan on 24 January at Heikinpäivä celebrations.