Muusajuhlat offers literary art from punk to opera and Finlandia Prize winners

The Muusajuhlat Literary Art Festival will take place from August 13 to 17. The programme features nearly 40 different events.

There will be events throughout the day, from poetry lunches to late-night gatherings. Among dozens of performers and speakers, the festival presents a diverse and fascinating lineup from various fields of literature.

One of the festival’s special guests is the internationally renowned opera soprano Helena Juntunen. She will perform, among other pieces, the famous Jewel Song, beloved by the opera diva Bianca Castafiore from the Tintin comics.

Among the speakers is Member of Parliament Jessi Jokelainen, whose graphic novel Femokratia (2024) explores the history, present, and future of Finnish politics, particularly from women’s perspectives. Also featured is Riikka Leinonen, winner of the Tieto-Finlandia Prize, whose book Suuri valhe vammaisuudesta (2024) challenges prevailing assumptions about disability.

The Muusa Matinee highlights multicultural voices, especially through the words and poetry of Oulu residents with immigrant backgrounds. Among the performers is Ukrainian-born psychologist and author Olga Makarenko. Her music video Till Midnight in Oulu will premiere at the event, where Makarenko will also share her personal experiences of displacement and war.

In the evenings, the Muusa Clubs at Klonkka and Tuba will offer a rich mix of interdisciplinary performances ranging from poetry and music to burlesque. Featured performers include the indie and alternative rock band Valkea, as well as Karkia Walo, a duo blending literary art with music.

Festival visitors will also have the chance to create their own literary works by participating in workshops such as the "messy poetry" session and the haiku workshop.

Most events will take place in Oulu, including Cultural Centre Valve, Cafe Konstantiina, the pop-up stage Klonkka, the Tähtitorni Café, and various libraries. Some events will also be held in Ii, Kempele, Pyhäjoki, and Hailuoto.

Most events have free admission. Programme and ticket information can be found here. The event is organized by Huutomerkki ry and is part of the Oulu August Festivals.