The Literary Art Festival Muusajuhlat Competes for the Finnish Poetry Slam Championship
The Literary Art Festival Muusajuhlat in Oulu dives deep into European themes. Held from August 19 to 23, the five-day festival offers a cross-disciplinary approach featuring author interviews and discussions, as well as poetry, music, and various performances.
As part of the European Capital of Culture year, Muusajuhlat specifically examines how European identity is reflected in authors' works. At the Central Library Saari, discussions will explore how local, European, and global dimensions come alive in historical romance and magical fiction, as well as in international thrillers and crime fiction mirroring different cultures.
The European theme will be prominently featured throughout the festival. For instance, at Wednesday’s Muusa Club, a poetry panel will evaluate poems by local poets on the theme "Europe and Me." Meanwhile, at the Oulun kirjakauppa, Docent Tomi Kiilakoski will search for the soul of the European novel in his keynote speech.
A total of 33 authors will visit the festival to speak about their works. Among them is Markus Leikola (pictured), whose latest, nearly 1000-page novels Uuden maailman katu and Teidän edestänne annettu explore humanity's myths and the deepest core of being human, masterfully blending historical facts with fiction.
The festival also aims to reach audiences in neighboring municipalities. Author visits will be organized not only across Oulu but also in Kuivaniemi, Ii, Kempele, Liminka, and Oulunsalo.
On "Muusa Saturday," the 2026 Finnish Poetry Slam Champion will be crowned as the poets who advanced from the regional qualifiers compete for the title in an exciting final at Varikko Panimo. Following the poetry competition, the evening seamlessly transitions into a Muusa Club, featuring the cross-disciplinary quartet Duo Lappalainen x Tuisku ja Jyri. In their performance, poetic muses are inspired by the enchanting soundscapes of the marimba and violin. The night will conclude with Traumaryhmä, an angst-filled "all-female band" (akkabändi) from Puolanka. The winners of this year’s Muusa Writing Competition will also be announced during the event.
One of the highlight events of Muusajuhlat is Hietaniemen mestarit —a dramatic concert performed on Sunday, where texts by some of Finland’s most beloved poets come alive through music and drama. Held in the Valvesali hall at Cultural Centre Valve, the performance features songs composed by Päivi Heikura, punctuated by dramatic scenes. The show combines music, theater, and poetry into a moving and evocative experience. Five talented singers will take the stage, accompanied by a six-member band of professional musicians.
Admission to most events is free. Full program and ticket information can be found here. Events are mostly in Finnish.
The event is produced by Huutomerkki ry.
Photo: Jaakko Martikainen
