Heikinpäivä

An Original Copper Country Celebration

Hancock, Michigan is the home of a truly one-of-a-kind festival - Heikinpäivä! Created in 1999, this festival draws deeply from the culture and folklore that followed Finnish immigrants who came to America to work Keweenaw copper mines. This January celebration (part-festival, part-holiday), is a Copper Country homage to Finnish-American identity and a mid-winter burst of joy and quirkiness to hearten the community through the long Keweenaw winter.

Heikinpäivä hosts a bevy of events during a month-long lead up to the main event in late January. During the headliner day enjoy a parade featuring creatures from Finnish legend, the legendary wife-carrying contest, kicksled races, musical performances, cultural and craft-making workshops, and a traditional Finnish contra-dance with a live band.

All are welcome to Heikinpäivä!

Attend Heikinpäivä

Location: Downtown Hancock, Michigan and the Finnish American Heritage Center

Date: January 25, 2025

Festivals & Events a year ago

Heikinpaiva attendees hold hands circling into a large "Bear Spiral."

Insider's Guide to Attending Heikinpäivä

9 minute read

Heikinpäivä, a mid-winter Finnish-American celebration, returns to downtown Hancock this January. This event is planned…

Events a month ago

Person dressed as Heikki Lunta throws snow during parade

THESE 5+ KEWEENAW FESTIVALS WILL MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH WINTER

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5 minute read The Keweenaw sees over 270 inches of lake-effect snow each year, creating a winter wonderland unlike anywhere else in the…

Activities 10 months ago

Water is poured over rocks in traditional Finnish sauna.

Where and how to sauna in the Keweenaw

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A relaxing and freeing tradition dating back 2,000+ years, Sauna culture still burns strong in the Keweenaw. The Finnish do it best…