Kekri: Family Finnish Harvest (NOVEMBER 1st 2025)

One of our newest additions, Kekri is a fall festival that was once traditionally celebrated in Karelia and Eastern Finland. Over time, many of the traditions of Kekri have migrated to Joulu (Christmas) or New Year, but in the present-day many young Finns are reviving these old folk traditions. Who, after all, doesn't love a good Halloween/Harvest party??

This event is aimed at good, family fun for children of ALL ages. There is a variety of harvest-themed Finnish cultural activities including eating donuts on a string, pumpkin decorating, mask-making, an egg relay, sauna tours, storytelling, and a potato sack race. Participants get a check mark for every activity they engage with and have the opportunity earn a treat bag from the Kekripukki.

The Kekripukki was a folklore figure who was represented, traditionally, by a young man dressed in a inside-out upside-down fur coat and birch bark mask. He would travel door to door demanding food, drink, and entertainment. Those who listen avoided having their stoves broken or mischief made.

Kekri this year will be on Saturday, November 1st, 2025.