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Oulu2026 – Kajaani is a part of the European Capital of Culture in 2026!

Northern Finland is a stage for European culture in 2026. It is time to notice the value of culture and artists, and to acknowledge the important role that culture plays when we talk about vitality of cities, municipalities and regions. The status of European Capital of Culture is significant for Finland and Finnish culture.

The Capital of Culture year is packed with celebration of culture: especially the culture of Northern Finland is broadly visible. This festive year affects 39 co-partnering municipalities.

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture in 2026 (ECoC)

The main theme is cultural climate change and the most important goal of Oulu2026 is to create and bring culture, wellbeing and vitality to the northern regions. The cultural climate change combines culture, art and technology in ways that may even be surprising. It also generates encounters and creates interactions,

Equal Oulu2026 promotes diversity and strengthens the participation of minority groups

The City of Kajaani takes part in Equal Oulu2026 project. The project supports municipalities and cultural actors in the third sector in implementing cultural services equally in Kainuu and Northern Ostrobothnia regions. It also encourages minority groups to participate more actively in the planning and implementation of those services.

Kajaani prepares for the year of European Capital of Culture

Kajaani is one of the 39 municipalities that participate in Oulu2026, and the city offers a diverse program for the festive year.

As an event, Kajaani Poetry Week is a part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year. Poetry Week is one of the cultural events that are involved in the Brave Hinterland theme.

Kajaani Poetry Week spreads out to the northern region, as some of the performances that are chosen to the 2026 Poetry Week, will also be brought to other municipalities in Kainuu. There will also be a Poetry Train event, where some of the performances are performed in the Helsinki-Kajaani trains and the stations between Kajaani and Oulu.

For the Poetry Week event that is held in 2026, there will be a performance that is based on northern poetry tradition, ancient poetry, music and the texts of the artists that have been elected as the poets of summer. This performance is also an important part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Kajaani Poetry Week.

Internationality and equality will be taken in even broader consideration in the program. The event aspires to having international performers and performers that represent cultural minorities.

In addition to Kajaani Poetry Week, the city of Kajaani reinforces the Oulu2026 program with the touring Tervan tie (The Tar Route) performance, the art festival on Ärjänsaari Island, the steamship cruise theater on Lake Oulujärvi and surprising dance art.