Kalevala Day
February 28, Wednesday
History and meaning of the holiday
The epic poem "Kalevala" was first published in 1835, its compiler and editor was the Finnish poet and folklorist Elias Lönnrot. Lönnrot collected and processed many oral traditions, myths and songs, which he recorded from rune singers in Finland and Karelia. The result of this painstaking work was the epic poem "Kalevala", which has become a symbol of Finnish identity, folklore and culture.
Celebration Traditions
Kalevala Day is celebrated all over Finland and is accompanied by cultural events aimed at popularizing Finnish literature, folklore and music:
Literary events. Kalevala readings, lectures and discussions are held in libraries, museums and cultural centres. The day also serves as an opportunity to display rare editions and manuscripts of the epic.
Exhibitions and theatre productions. Theatres and museums in Finland organize thematic exhibitions that present stage designs, costumes and art objects inspired by the mythology of the Kalevala.
Musical performances and rune singing. Particular attention is paid to the performance of ancient runes - the songs that Lönnrot used to create the epic. Performers recreate traditional melodies and performance methods using folk instruments such as the kantele, the national string instrument of Finland.
Educational events. Schoolchildren and students in Finland are introduced to the text of the Kalevala in lessons, where its significance and influence on Finnish literature and art are discussed.
Kalevala Day in other years
- 2021 February 28, Sunday
- 2022 February 28, Monday
- 2023 February 28, Tuesday
- 2025 February 28, Friday