In 2026, Hancock, Michigan, is the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, part of an international initiative supported by organizations including the Uralic Centre, Sukukansojen Ystävät, and Fenno-Ugria. The designation celebrates the cultures, languages, traditions, and connections of Finno-Ugric peoples while encouraging communities to keep this shared heritage alive and relevant for future generations.
Hancock is a fitting home for this celebration. Located in Michigan’s Copper Country, the city and surrounding region have a distinctly Finnish cultural landscape shaped by generations of Finnish immigrants and their descendants. Finnish language, food, music, sauna, architecture, organizations, and traditions remain an important part of community life today.
Throughout 2026, Hancock is bringing the designation to life through cultural programs, classes, gatherings, and beloved annual traditions—from the famous midwinter Heikinpäivä celebration to Juhannus Midsummer festivities and beyond.
Explore below to learn more about Hancock 2026, upcoming events, and the people and traditions connecting the Copper Country to the wider Finno-Ugric world.
The weekend of June 17–21, Hancock, MI welcomed visitors from around the world to celebrate Juhannus Suurjuhlat as the 2026 Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture.
Browse and download photos from the weekend—whether you’d like a single favorite or the entire album. These images were captured by Finlandia Foundation National and are free to share. If you post them, we’d appreciate a photo credit or tag @FinlandiaFoundationNational whenever possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this historic celebration so memorable!
What if you suddenly discovered you had dozens of cousins you never knew about—spread across Northern Europe and beyond, with traditions that felt strangely familiar?
In this special Finnposium presentation, Finlandia Foundation National Young Leaders Board member Gage “Touko” Keränen took viewers on a virtual journey through the world of Finno-Ugric cultures—a family of peoples connected through related languages, customs, music, traditions, and cultural practices.
In preparation for Hancock, Michigan’s designation as the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture in 2026, Gage traveled to Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, meeting cultural leaders, linguists, and community members from across the Finno-Ugric world. He shared stories, photographs, and insights from his travels while introducing communities including the Võro, Seto, Sámi, Livonian, Karelian, Komi, and Votic peoples.
Through personal encounters and cultural reflections, the presentation explored the surprising connections between these cultures, Finnish heritage, and Finnish-American life—and offered an introduction to the people, languages, and traditions at the heart of Hancock’s historic cultural year.
Watch the recording above to meet our Finno-Ugric “cousins” and discover just how connected we are.
March 24, 2026
Gage “Touko” Keränen A resilient, northern people with a deep appreciation for nature and a fondness for sauna. Sounds a lot like Finnish people,
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March 13, 2026
By Gage “Touko” Keränen First stop on the Finno-Ugric world tour, Latvia! Of the many places on Earth that I would think of being related to Finland and Finns,
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January 27, 2026
By Gage “Touko” Keränen Picture this. You’re an only child and you thought that your parents were also the “only child.” Now,
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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.
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!
Stay tuned for more 2026 events in Hancock, Michigan!