Experience the Kalevala Like Never Before: A Special 190th Anniversary Celebration in Kainuu

The Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, continues to thrive in modern times—even at the remarkable age of 190. Did you know that the Kalevala originated in Kainuu?

To honour this milestone, a series of events have taken place across the region, culminating in an exciting, interactive gaming experience that brings the Kalevala to life in a whole new way.

Kalevala Week in Kainuu

The festivities began in Kuhmo on Friday, 21 February, leading up to today’s official Kalevala Day celebrations. Traditional evening events are being held in Kuhmo and Kajaani, with a communal singing event also taking place in Suomussalmi. The Kalevala Day ceremony in Kuhmo is hosted at Juminkeko, starting at 18:00, while the Kajaani event is taking place at Kouta Hall at 18:00.

A New Way to Experience the Kalevala

As part of the Kajaani celebrations, visitors have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Kalevala through cutting-edge gaming technology. From 17:00 to 20:00, the lobby of the Kajaani Music Institute is transformed into an interactive space where guests can explore the epic in an entirely new format.

This innovative experience is a result of an international collaboration combining literary tourism with advanced digital technology. The project involves partners from Kainuu, including Kajaani University of Applied Sciences and the Regional Council of Kainuu, as well as contributions from Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and Sweden. The N-LITE project is funded by the Interreg NPA Programme.

In recognition of its cultural significance, the Kalevala was awarded the European Heritage Label in spring 2024.

Image: The Kalevala Experience showcased at the 2025 Travel Fair in Helsinki, featuring Kuukkeli, the Siberian Jay, Kainuu’s regional bird, symbolically carrying the Kalevala forward.