Living epic Kalevala receives European Heritage Label
The Kalevala is one of the most influential epics of 19th century, it is based on Karelian and Finnish vernacular tradition and influenced the nation building in Finland.
The Kalevala, the national epic of Finland, was awarded the European Commission’s European Heritage Label on 11 April 2024. The European Heritage Label is granted to sites, monuments, documents or events that have a particular significance for European history, culture and integration. The label was now granted to seven applicants.The Kalevala is one of the few pieces of intangible cultural heritage to receive the European Heritage Label. The label was awarded to the Kalevala as a living epic that changes with the times and continues to be a source of new scientific, artistic and cultural interpretations. Written in 1849 by Elias Lönnrot, who drew inspiration from Karelian and Finnish folk poetry, the Kalevala is part of the European ideological current and epic tradition. The work has been translated into more than 60 languages.
You can read more about Kalevala in our blog article
Kalevala Day.Hey for Finland!
Minna, OLS Community Manager – Finnish