Oulu, Finland's fifth-largest city, is set to become the European Capital of Culture in 2026, bringing a mix of highbrow events and quirky traditions. Known for its Air Guitar World Championships, the world's only Screaming Men's Choir, and the Polar Bear Pitching event, the city offers a unique blend of culture and silliness. Located 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Oulu also boasts saunas, midnight sun, northern lights, and extensive cycle lanes.
The city's €50 million programme, themed 'Cultural Climate Change', spans 39 sites across four counties and aims to attract up to 2.5 million visitors. Highlights include the Frozen People electronic music festival on the frozen Bothnian Bay, the Lumo Art & Tech festival, the Arctic Food Lab, and a Sami opera called Ovllá. Piia Rantala-Korhonen, CEO of Oulu 2026, expects a €5 return for every euro spent, noting that climate change is a pressing concern as ice and snow disappear.
Locals have mixed awareness of the event. Some, like two women in a floating sauna on the frozen Oulu River, admitted knowing little about the details. Others, like student Matti, expressed enthusiasm: 'It will be nice to have people come here and discover our city.' The city's underground car park, Kivisydän, doubles as a bomb shelter, reflecting Finland's proximity to Russia.
