For close to 150 years Finland’s culture has had a pocket of influence in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Thanks to many Finnish immigrants who arrived to work in the region’s copper industry. Those Finns began arriving in the Keweenaw around midsummer. And nearly 150 years later, Finns will arrive to the region again.
Juhannus during June in Hancock expects to become a large celebration of not just life, but a celebration of the city and region’s Finnish Heritage, as the 2026 Finno-Ugric capital of culture. The festival will begin on June 18th, and organizers are excited to share details to the community.
While the Finns and Friends group finalizes some activities for the festival, Juhannus expects to again include the Kokko Bonfire at the Hancock Beach, the community will raise the midsummer pole at the Finnish American Heritage Center on the Quincy Green, and Finnish heritage themed walking tour that will explore Hancock.
Those interested in learning more about the Juhannus midsummer festival or want to stay up to date on other Finno-Ugric activities in the city can find more information at hancockfinnougric.com. Learn about the Copper Country Finns and Friends group, and more about getting invovled with the organization’s celebrations in 2026.
