Kalevala Celebrates European Heritage Days

September marks the annual celebration of European Heritage Days, and this year, the Kalevala took center stage in connection with the theme of “Routes, Connections, and Networks.” To explore these connections through time and ideas, the Kalevala Society engaged with various individuals across Finland to share their favorite characters from this epic poem.

Through a series of short videos, participants highlighted the inspiring “Boss Ladies” of the Kalevala, the legacy of Väinämöinen’s songs, and the wisdom held by Antero Vipunen, the sleeping giant known for his secrets. Each video offers insights into these characters and their relevance to Finnish culture.

The videos were released on social media throughout a week in September and are now available as a playlist on YouTube, as well as a collection on the Kalevala Society’s website. Full English texts accompany each video, making them accessible to a wider audience interested in learning more about these iconic characters.

The individuals featured in the videos were identified through collaborations with organizations such as the Kalevala Women’s Association, Karelian Youth Association, and the Parppeinvaara Runo Village. This initiative aims to engage viewers with the Kalevala and encourage further exploration of its characters.

For those interested in exploring the stories and significance of these figures, the videos can be enjoyed at Kalevala Society’s website. As the European Heritage Days are underway, this project serves as a reminder of the power of cultural narratives and their ability to connect us across time and space.

The Kalevala – Living Epic Heritage was awarded the European Heritage Label in 2023.