{"id":72157,"date":"2026-02-19T17:12:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:12:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fennougria.ee\/?p=72157"},"modified":"2026-02-19T17:16:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:16:30","slug":"hancock-2026-opening-ceremony-aftermath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fennougria.ee\/en\/hancock-2026-opening-ceremony-aftermath\/","title":{"rendered":"Hancock 2026 opening ceremony: aftermath"},"content":{"rendered":"

Text: Gage “Touko” Ker\u00e4nen<\/strong>
Photos: Minea Herwitz<\/strong><\/p>

This year’s Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, Hancock, kicked off its year on 24 January with the annual midwinter festival Heikinp\u00e4iv\u00e4<\/a><\/em> 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.<\/p>

Heikinp\u00e4iv\u00e4 2026<\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

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<\/strong>, a local Estonian woman with roots in Mulgimaa and V\u00f5romaa. Marianne gave a short welcome speech and expressed her gratitude for Hancock’s designation as the 2026 Capital of Culture.<\/p>

In accordance with Heikinp\u00e4iv\u00e4<\/em> traditions, various rag rugs, wooden carvings, baked goods, jewellery, and other Finnish-themed products were offered at the market (tori<\/em>). The Finnish American Folk School heritage center also demonstrated spinning and weaving on looms. Musicians and dancers performed, including kantele player Sheila Coughlin<\/strong> and the Finnish-American children’s dance group Kivajat<\/em>.<\/p>

In their presentation “The Magic of Sauna Textiles”, Lisa Steinmann<\/strong> and Karen Rue<\/strong> 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<\/em>, and Lisa Steinmann is a sauna blogger and textile enthusiast from Minnesota. Saunamekko<\/em> is a sauna textile company that offers carefully designed products made from 100% merino wool.<\/p>

This was followed by Gage “Touko” Ker\u00e4nen<\/strong>‘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).<\/p>

Art exhibition<\/h3>

The Copper Country Community Arts Center hosted the opening event for “Animal Life: Art from Kalevala,” inspired by the Finnish-Karelian epic Kalevala<\/em>. The collection included sculptures, paintings, ceramics, leatherwork, and other works of art. Each piece was inspired by a specific rune from the Kalevala<\/em>.<\/p>

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 Heikinp\u00e4iv\u00e4s passed. As is typical of Finnish American functions, it could be heard here and there, \u201cYour aunt is my neighbor!\u201d or \u201cI was your brother\u2019s teacher!\u201d<\/p>

Nostalgia, cheer, and a longing for sauna was in the air as the evening celebration wrapped up.<\/p>

\"\"<\/figure>

Month of celebrations<\/h3>

The Heikinp\u00e4iv\u00e4<\/em> 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!\u201d<\/p>

\r\n \n