Vuokkiniemi 2017

The theme of Vuokkiniemi’s cultural capital year was the Karelian language and culture, with a particular focus on engaging youth and supporting sustainable development of the village. . The year included a rich cultural programme and received guests from Russia’s Finno-Ugric regions as well as Finland and Estonia.

• Opening Ceremony on 7 January focused on traditional Karelian culture, featuring performances by the Katajat and Vuokkiniemi Martat ensembles. The opening event was also attended by the delegation of Bygy – first Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture.
• Snow Festival on 15 January brought together half of the village, who took part in in the traditional Karelian Kyykkä game.
• The Flagship Event of the cultural capital year (2-5 August) included a rich cultural programme: a performance of Veljo Tormis’ works by the Estonian chamber choir Collegium Musicale in the Vuokkiniemi village centre, play “Ukhtua Cadrille” by the Kalevala community and a new album release performance by Sattuma band. Visitors included delegations from formers Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture, including Bygy (Udmurtia) and Iszkaszentgyörgy (Hungary).
• The Kataja folklore ensemble from Vuokkiniemi went on a concert tour to Estonia in October, performing 7 concerts in 3 days, as part of the Kindred Peoples’ Days across the country, including in Obinitsa, the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2015.

• Raised Visibility: According to head organizer of the cultural capital year Yelena Plyuiko, the cultural capital year made Vuokkiniemi more visible and increased the number of visitors.