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As the snow begins to melt, we're excited to share the on-going news of Finnish America, from the high altitudes of Colorado, to the tropical shorelines of Florida, to the green and purple festivities in Finland, Minnesota. Finns always find a way to gather in meaningful, memorable ways.
In this newsletter:
- Colorado's 60th Anniversary
- Midnight Sun Festival in Florida
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Finnposium: Recent and upcoming
- Hancock Happenings: Folk School and Gallery updates
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Heavy metal band sponsorship: Veriteras
- and more!
Thank you for being a part of our journey to protect our cherished heritage and to make Finnish-American history. We are grateful to be your partner in this dance of past and future, all while enjoying the present moment, together.
Warm regards,
Thomas Flanagan
Executive Director
| | Finlandia Foundation of Colorado celebrates 60 years! | | |
On March 2, 2025, Finlandia Foundation of Colorado (FFC) marked its 60th anniversary with an unforgettable evening at Denver’s historic University Club. The event brought together 115 guests, including Nordic dignitaries, to celebrate Finnish heritage and community.
Highlights included performances by Steve “Teuvo” Lee and Finlandia Foundation’s Performer of the Year, Miska Kajanus, as well as a speech from Ambassador Okko-Pekka Salmimies on Finland’s global influence. A special moment came when Juha Mäkikalli, Honorary Consul of Finland in Colorado, was awarded the Knight, First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland. With Finnish music, cuisine, and camaraderie, the night honored six decades of dedication to Finnish culture while looking ahead to a bright future. Onnea!
| | Florida Finns celebrate in Lake Worth, Florida at Midnight Sun Festival | | |
While early March may not bring midnight sun to mind, it certainly brought Finnish pride and community spirit to Lake Worth Beach, FL, for the Midnight Sun Festival. Since 1983, this festival has been a gathering place for Finns and Finnish-Americans, set against the backdrop of Bryant Park and its striking Finnish immigrant monument.
This year’s event was filled with music, food, and traditions, from hernekeitto (pea soup) and lohilaatikko (salmon casserole) to performances by Finnish artists Mika & Anssi and Steven Solkela of the Iron Range in Minnesota. Dignitaries, including Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola and local mayors, joined the festivities, and the ever-popular Wife Carrying Competition brought plenty of laughs. Finlandia Foundation National was proud to support and attend this vibrant celebration—mark your calendars for next year and join us under the Florida sun!
| | Celebrating St. Urho's Day in Finland, Minnesota - March 16th | | | | |
On March 16, the town of Finland, Minnesota, came alive with green and purple as locals and visitors gathered to celebrate St. Urho’s Day—Finnish America’s lighthearted response to St. Patrick’s Day. This made-up holiday, created to honor the fictional saint who heroically saved Finland’s wine grapes from a plague of grasshoppers, has become a beloved tradition among Finnish Americans.
This year’s festivities featured performances and appearances by some familiar faces, including the ever-energetic Steven Solkela, the multi-talented Miska Kajanus, and the charismatic Maria Voltaine. From music and storytelling to lively parades and laughter-filled gatherings, the celebration once again showcased the joy and humor that define this unique Finnish-American tradition.
| | | Listen to TheWorld.org’s 3-minute audio feature on St. Urho's Day, which includes insights from FFN Board member and Honorary Consul of Finland in Minneapolis, Elaine Kumpula. | | Save the Date! FinnFest to Hancock Summer Circuit | | Finlandia Foundation is a Partner-Sponsor of FinnFest 2025! | |
If you're planning to join us at FinnFest in Duluth (July 31-August 1), then continue the celebration in Hancock, Michigan, with Finnish-American activities at our Finnish American Heritage Center (Aug 4-6)—make it part of your FinnFest journey!
It's a only a 4-hour drive along beautiful Lake Superior to go from one of the biggest Finnish culture festivals to one of the most Finnish cities in the country.
Our team will be waiting for you there to share the magic of Hancock, Michigan! More details to follow.
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Finnish American Folk School: Upcoming classes | | |
Upcoming Online Courses – Enroll Today!
Featured Course: Discover the Art of Lament Singing
Join us for a powerful two-day online workshop (April 5-6, 2025, 11 AM–2 PM EST) with folk musician Emmi Kuittinen as she guides us through the ancient lament traditions of Karelia and Ingria. Learn vocal techniques, explore the cultural significance of laments, and even compose your own. No experience needed—just bring an open heart, a pen, and a tissue.
Class fee: $60 | Registration closes April 2
👉 Click here to register!
Basics of Finnish Language – Level 1, Part 1
Ever wanted to learn Finnish? Start with our 8-week beginner course in partnership with Language Clubhouse and Finnish American Folk School. Led by experienced instructors Becky Luoma & Laura Kurkinen, this class introduces fundamental vocabulary and language skills.
Sundays, March 30–June 1, 2025 | 1:35–3:00 PM EST (No class April 20 & May 11)
Class fee: 150,00 € (~$163) | Registration closes March 26
👉 Click here to register!
📍 More courses and details on the Finnish American Folk School website!
| | Finlandia Art Gallery: Upcoming exhibit | | |
Coming soon to the Finlandia Art Gallery in Hancock, Michigan: Eeva Honkanen
April 24 – June 4, 2025 | Opening Reception: Thursday, April 24, 7-8:30 pm
Artist Talk beginning at 7:20 pm
Eeva Honkanen’s large-scale ink drawings depict a fantastical, ever-changing world teeming with life—where insects, butterflies, and tiny human-like creatures coexist without hierarchy. Through free association and exaggerated forms, her surreal landscapes challenge the modern world while exploring the unity of life, the passage of time, and the essence of human nature. Beneath the seeming chaos lies a sharp critique, softened by a touch of humor, as Honkanen reimagines the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.
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Finlandia Foundation is proud to sponsor heavy metal band Veriteras
Heavy metal is one of Finland’s biggest cultural exports, and its passionate fanbase spans the globe—including right here in the U.S. Finlandia Foundation National is proud to sponsor Veriteras, a Seattle-based melodic death metal band with deep Finnish roots, as they embark on their West Coast tour.
This partnership is part of our Heavy Metal Membership Drive, an initiative to connect with a broader, multi-generational audience through a shared love of Finnish music and culture. Join us at one of their shows to experience the energy of Finnish-style metal and learn why heavy metal is so deeply woven into Finland’s cultural identity.
Stay tuned for tour dates and details—see you in the pit! 🤘
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Join the Finnish International Choir for Our 2025 Summer Tour!
Experience the beauty of Finnish and Finnish-American choral music with the Finnish International Choir (Ulkosuomalaisten Suurkuoro) on our 2025 summer tour to Duluth and Hancock! Led by Maria Männistö (USA) and Eva-Christina Pietarinen (Finland), this unique choir welcomes singers of all backgrounds—no Finnish language experience required, just a love for singing and learning.
Tour Dates: July 28 - August 7, 2025
Zoom Rehearsals Begin in April
Performances at FinnFest 2025 in Duluth & Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock
Join us in singing Finnish, Swedish, English, and Sámi and be part of this international musical experience. All are welcome to join this choir!
📧 Sign up or learn more: ulkosuomalaisten.suurkuoro@gmail.com
| | Meet our #NationalSaunaWeek Finnleo sauna winner! | | |
"I feel so blessed to have won the Finnleo sauna during Finlandia Foundation's National Sauna Week 2025. Watching the webinars was very informative. I am also following 'The Upper Bench' podcast." —Marjorie Nelson, Minnesota
We'll keep you posted with the story!
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The Road to Korsnäs: Unraveling the Iconic Sweater
Discover the fascinating story behind the Korsnäs sweater with textile historian Gail DeMeyere. This masterful Finnish garment, known for its intricate design, durability, and cultural significance, has been passed down through generations. Gail will take us on a journey through its origins, construction, and the efforts to preserve its legacy.
Join us for this insightful talk and learn about the artisans and historians working to keep the Korsnäs sweater tradition alive!
Register now!
| | Recent Finnposium: Watch the Recording | | |
In Case You Missed It: Watch the Recording!
Finnposium: Iria Leino: An Extraordinary Life
Catch the recording of our special March 8th International Women’s Day Finnposium event honoring Iria Leino, a groundbreaking Finnish artist who defied societal norms to dedicate her life to art. The discussion features the creative team behind the upcoming documentary on Iria’s life, including acclaimed actress Laura Birn, director Janna Kyllästinen, and creative producer Kati Aho, with moderation by Kati Laakso of the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York.
Watch this inspiring conversation on art, resilience, and the journey of a Finnish artist in NYC.
| | Learn Finnish This Summer with a Special Finlandia Foundation Discount! | | |
Dreaming of improving your Finnish language skills? Summer University of Jyväskylä is offering immersive Finnish language courses this summer—and thanks to Finlandia Foundation National, you can get an exclusive discount on registration! Level groups range from absolute beginners to advanced learners. The course program includes daily language lessons with professional teachers as well as guided trips and exciting cultural activities in the evenings and weekends.
What? A three-week Intensive Course in Finnish Language and Culture
Where? Jyväskylä, in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland
When? June 30th to July 18th 2025
Special Offer: Use code FINLANDIA100 at checkout to get a 100 € discount!
Don’t miss this chance to connect with Finnish culture, language, and community. Register now and start your journey!
| | Even Finland glowed a little purple this month. Photo taken in Central Finland by Riku Kuurne. | | |
Is planned giving in your future?
Join the Finlandia Legacy Society today!
| | Our legacy is our people. What’s yours? Learn more about our Finlandia Legacy Society by emailing: office@finlandiafoundation.org | | | | |
