Words and Music in Kajaani

Words and Music in Kajaani, founded in 1976, is Finland's oldest and largest festival dedicated to poetry, recitation and small-scale family theatre, held each July around national poet Eino Leino's birthday at the Kaukametsä Culture and Congress Centre and across the town. Kajaani's historical tie to Kalevala compiler Elias Lönnrot adds literary resonance. It suits visitors specifically interested in poetry and literary culture rather than general music festivals.

Words and Music in Kajaani, known locally as Kajaanin Runoviikko or the Kajaani Poetry Week, was founded in 1976 and stands as Finland's oldest and largest festival specifically dedicated to poetry, recitation and small-scale theatre for the whole family, held annually as a five-day event at the start of July timed around the birthday of national poet Eino Leino on July 7th.