Kaustinen folk music festival opens with record 6,000 musicians

The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival begins today in Central Ostrobothnia, with a record 6,000 folk musicians performing this year, according to Finnish broadcaster Yle.

Highlights include appearances by accordionist Antti Paalanen and kantele artist Maija Kauhanen. The week-long festival starts with an opening parade in Kaustinen’s town centre, followed by an evening ceremony where new master folk musicians will be announced.

The titles of master folk musician, folk singer, and folk dancer are awarded to individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of folk music or dance.

Now in its 59th edition, the festival is the largest folk music event in the Nordic countries. Kaustinen’s fiddle tradition, a key part of the festival’s heritage, is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage register.