Nine years after the start of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture programme, Kuhmo became the first holder of this title in Finland. The flagship event of the year, Sommelo Ethno Music Festival, brought together performers and audiences from many kindred peoples and regions, which gave the festival a distinct Finno-Ugric accent. In 2023, Kuhmo also became an important venue for discussions about the current state and future of Finno-Ugric languages, as well as the international Finno-Ugric movement. In June 2024, a seminar dedicated to 10 years of the Finno-Ugric Capitals of Culture was held in Kuhmo.
Kuhmo.fi. “Kuhmo is ready to perform as the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture. (in Finnish and English)
Finnish Public Broadcasting YLE, 28.1.2022. “Kuhmo selected as Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2022.” (in Finnish)
Kainuun Sanomat, 9.6.23. “Sommelo is the main event of the festive year – Kuhmo is Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2023.” (in Finnish)
Pekka Huttu-Hiltunen (phh@runolaulu.fi)