Eliel’s Kekri 21-30 October 2026

Eliel’s Kekri invites visitors to explore the traditions, beliefs, and stories of Kekri, most intriguing autumn celebration, from 21 to 30 October 2026.

This series of events at Museum Eliel features lectures, guided tours, workshops, and activities for the whole family. Visitors can dive into the history of Kekri, Finnish folklore, supernatural beliefs, and local ghost stories.

All events are included in the museum admission fee (€12 / €5 / Museum Card).

See the full Kekri programme below.

Please note that the programme will be presented in Finnish.

More information about Museum Eliel and its events is available at joensuunmuseot.fi.

Time: 5 pm
Venue: Eliel & Loja (Rantakatu 20, Joensuu)

The lecture covers the most important festive periods of the year, from autumn to winter and from spring to midsummer. It examines how these celebrations are connected to the rhythm of the annual cycle, everyday life, and community traditions.

The lecturer is Annamari Liuha, a special education teacher and teacher of Orthodox religion, whose areas of expertise include Karelian folk traditions, folk beliefs, and folklore.

Time: 11 am-3 pm
Venue: Museum Eliel

Eliel Family Saturday invites museum visitors of all ages to celebrate the traditional Finnish harvest festival, Kekri, in a mysterious and story-filled atmosphere on Saturday, 24 October, from 11 am to 3 pm.

The day’s programme includes Kekri-themed crafts, face painting, and guided tours introducing visitors to the mysterious creatures and traditions of Finnish folk culture.

Traditionally during Kekri, masked kekri creatures went from house to house, and it was believed that supernatural spirits wandered among people.

You are also welcome to attend the event in costume.

Time: 3 pm and 5 pm (duration approximately 40 minutes)
Venue: The Folklorist’s Cellar

What frightened people in the past, and how have supernatural phenomena been viewed at different times?
This guided tour explores beliefs surrounding devils, evil spirits, and the dead, and examines how these traditions are connected to the celebration of Kekri.

Time: 3-5 pm
Venue: Learning Space, 2nd Floor

Create your own Kekri mask from natural materials using guided instructions.

Time: 3.30 pm, 4.30 pm, and 5.30 pm (duration approximately 30 minutes)
Venue: The Folklorist’s Cellar

How are spirits connected to the celebration of Kekri? Why was the period following Kekri considered potentially dangerous? This tour introduces visitors to customs and beliefs related to the otherworld and the supernatural aspects of Kekri.

Tours are limited to the first 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Time: 3-5 pm
Venue: Learning Space

Create glowing face paint designs using water-soluble UV-reactive paints. Materials and guidance will be provided on site.

Time: 5 pm (duration approximately 45 minutes)
Venue: Treasury Chamber, 2nd Floor

Who is Hilppa, Joensuu’s most famous ghost? And who exactly is Jani, whose presence has reportedly made itself known in the old City Hall?

In her recent folklore studies thesis, Johanna Leppänen explored the story of the Joensuu City Theatre’s ghost Hilppa through interview-based research. The discussion will be introduced and moderated by Museum Eliel’s Ella Törmikoski.

Visitors are also invited to share their own local ghost stories and supernatural experiences, either orally or in writing.

Maximum capacity: 40 participants. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from 4.30 pm onwards.