The Finnish American Heritage Society presents Kekri Harvest Festival: A Living Revival of Ancient Finnish Harvest Traditions
Written By:
Finlandia Foundation
Canterbury, CT — November 1, 2025 — The Finnish American Heritage Society (FAHS) invites families and community members to its 2nd Annual Kekri Harvest Festival, a family- friendly celebration of Finland’s traditional harvest customs, on Saturday, November 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the FAHS grounds in Canterbury.
Rooted in the deep cultural traditions of rural Finland, Kekri historically marked the closing of the agricultural year. At a time when modern life often separates us from the seasonal cycle, this festival seeks to revive and reinterpret those ancient practices through fun, hands-on engagement.
Attendees (ages 5–105; parental supervision required for children) can try a variety of agricultural and cultural games and crafts designed to teach harvest-season traditions through play. Expect opportunities to participate in folk-style games grounded in farm and harvest lore, create crafts inspired by Finnish rural arts, learn short stories or historical tidbits about Finnish and harvest customs. Participants are encourage to dress in costume (encouraged!) to enhance the immersive feel.
“Reviving these harvest practices is more than nostalgia — it’s a reminder that we belong to cycles: of growth, gratitude, rest, and renewal,” says Avani Visone. “We hope journalists, folklorists, and curious neighbors will see that these traditions can still have relevance today.”
Event Details:
When: Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Where: Finnish American Heritage Society, 76 North Canterbury Road, Canterbury, CT
Who: Families and individuals (ages 5–105; child supervision required)
Admission: FREE (Donations welcome)
About the Finnish American Heritage Society (FAHS)
The Finnish American Heritage Society of Connecticut is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Finnish-American heritage in New England. FAHSoperates one of the few museums in the U.S. devoted to Finnish immigrant history, maintaining archives, artifacts, and exhibits that explore Finnish culture and community life. FAHS is also an affiliate of the Finlandia Foundation, helping to bridge contemporary Finland and Finnish-American communities through educational programming, cultural events, and shared heritage projects.
Built in 1925 by the Finnish American Education Association, the Canterbury Finnish Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over time, FAHS has added museum, library, archive, sauna, memorial courtyard, and gallery spaces to support its mission.
For more information about Kekri Harvest Festival, volunteering, or media interviews, please contact Avani Visone at (860)874-6660 -OR- avani.visone@gmail.com