Hancock 2026
Hancock, Michigan USA is the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture
Gage “Touko” Keränen’s Finno-Ugric World Tour
Picture this. You’re an only child and you thought that your parents were also the “only child.” Now, imagine that you find out you have cousins. Lots of cousins. More than 20 cousins. Not only that, but it so happens that your cousins also love saunas! This is what it felt like to learn that we (Finns & Finnish Americans) have “cousins.” I’m talking, of course, about the other Finno-Ugric peoples.
In brief, the Finno-Ugric peoples are a group of peoples found mostly within Northern Europe, Siberia, and Hungary, who have related languages and cultures. Many Finno-Ugric peoples share remarkably similar traditions, such as sauna bathing and instruments resembling the Finnish-Karelian kantele. According to doctor Natalia Abrosimova of the Tallinn University School of Humanities, there are approximately 25 million people in the world who speak a Finno-Ugric language. That’s about the same amount of people as the entire population of Australia!
Each year, the Fenno-Ugria organization selects a city to be named the world’s Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture—the site of a festival celebrating vibrant cultural arts, community gatherings, and learning opportunities for Finno-Ugric peoples. Until now, the title had only been awarded to locations in Hungary, Finland, Estonia, or Russia. So when Hancock, Michigan, was chosen as the 2025 Capital of Culture, I was stunned. My family’s home, the Copper Country, was about to host this extraordinary international festival—and I could not have been more excited.
With this festival year about to begin, and our cousins about to arrive from all around the world, I figured that it’s about time we find out who’s all coming to dinner. To do this, Finlandia Foundation National sent me on an extraordinary, 18-day journey in the fall of 2025 to Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to meet other Finno-Ugric peoples, learn about our shared roots, and gather their stories, to bring them home to you, dear reader.
Along the way, I met with people from resilient communities just like ours—including (but not limited to) the Võro, Komi, Seto, Sámi, Livonian, Karelian, and Votic peoples— and who, in turn, had a lot of questions about the Finnish American world. I hope that my stories in the months to come will ring true with fascinating revelations, echoes of home, and inspire you to visit Hancock for the yearlong festival in 2026. The family reunion awaits!
About Gage “Touko” Keränen
Finno-Ugric Education and Outreach Lead | Young Leaders Board member
Gage (Touko) Keränen is a Finnish-American from Grand Rapids, MI, with roots in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula (where Hancock is located). He has been active in several Finnish communities across the U.S., including in Phoenix, Tucson, and Farmington Hills. After studying Conservation Biology at Arizona State University, Gage now works in nonprofits providing scholarships, legal aid, and programming to local communities. A passionate community builder, he aims to strengthen Finnish-American communities through language learning, folk arts, and educational opportunities.
Fun fact: Gage plays the kantele.
What does Finno-Ugric mean?
In brief, Finno-Ugric refers to a family of peoples and languages within Northern Europe, Siberia, and Hungary.
Finlandia Foundation National
Our Mission
As the premier Finnish-American cultural organization, Finlandia Foundation National champions a vibrant Finnish-American heritage and legacy, and builds bridges between modern Finland and the United States, enabling people of all backgrounds to share in the traditions, values, and spirit of Finland and Finnish America.
Heikinpäivä: A Midwinter Celebration of Finnish Spirit
January 24, 2026
Each January, the city of Hancock, Michigan comes alive with Heikinpäivä, a one-of-a-kind celebration of Finnish-American heritage and the joy of winter. Founded in 1999, the festival honors the folklore and traditions brought to the Keweenaw by Finnish immigrants who came to work in the copper mines—and who made this region a lasting home.
What began as a small community event has grown into a beloved Copper Country tradition. In the weeks leading up to the main celebration, visitors and locals alike take part in workshops, music, and cultural activities. The highlight weekend features a whimsical parade inspired by Finnish legend, the famous wife-carrying contest, kicksled races, crafts, and a spirited Finnish-style dance to close out the festivities.
Heikinpäivä is a joyful reminder that even in the heart of winter, warmth and laughter abound—and everyone is welcome to join the fun!