Finlandia’s campus was filled with the buzz of midwinter spirit as patrons gathered at FinnU’s Finnish American Heritage Center and North Wind Books to celebrate the return of Heikinpäivä in 2023. Following the traditional parade, festivities on campus included wife-carrying competitions, kicksleds, a costumed circle dance, and a market.
Check out some of our favorite moments from all of the activities!
Finlandia celebrates halfway point of winter with community
One of the events headlining Saturday’s festival was Karhunpeijäiset – a circle dance with costumed parade participants.
After a two-year hiatus, Finlandia University was again able to host the patrons of Heikinpäivä at the Finnish American Heritage Center and North Wind Books to celebrate all the quirks and qualities of the Finnish people and their descendants in the region. This festival, which has been taking place mid-winter for more than [...]
A Finnish-American Mid-Winter Festival Until February 14
Snowflake Challenge with Ginger Alberti |1:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Sew Cranky Heikinpäivä Snowflake Challenge project, for everyone, beginners too! Learn to quickly sew a pattern on a black felt square (with an antique hand crank sewing machine), which is then entered into the contest with cash and gift certificate prizes! $3 to enter. All ages. Winners in all skill levels. If bringing a group, or with general questions please call (818) 606-0065.
January 11 & [...]
HANCOCK, Mich. — Keeping with a tradition that began nearly a decade ago, the Finnish American Heritage Center will host an intimate ceremony to commemorate Juhannus (Midsummer) at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 24.
The event will be highlighted by the dedication of the Midsummer pole, which has stood adjacent to the FAHC annually each summer since it was first erected in 2014. Earlier in the day, members of the City of Hancock’s Finnish Theme Committee will gather to decorate the [...]