Ijahis Idja festival ends in Inari

The 14th edition of the multicultural festival ‘Ijahis Idja’ launched on 18 August by the village of Inari in Finnish Lapland on the shores of the Homonymous Lake came to an end on 20 August.

The name of the festival in the North Sámi language means 'nightless night'.

Here in August the day is already short, but the magic of the Arctic Short Night can still be perceived in Ijahis Idja with the best of Sámimusic (yoik), as well as with examples of other indigenous peoples’ music in areas of the Arctic latitudes.

Ijahis Idja is one of its kinds of event in Europe. It is very broad and versatile, including not just music of various forms, but extending to a variety of cultural events such as debates, seminars, and activities for children and youth.

The festival began on August 18 with a programme for children and young people. During the day, projection of Sámi films and concerts of young promises were programmed, such as the folk-rock group Ravggon and guest artist Cheinesh Baitushkina from indigenous Russia.

The following day started with a music seminar taking place in the neighbouring museum of Saami Siida. The seminar discussed the meaning of traditional Sámi music on the contemporary music scene. The day continued with the Yle Sápmi Arena produced by Yle Sápmi, Finnish Radio-TV section. It was a discussion forum about the hot topics of the day and all the Sámi languages that are spoken in Finland.

In the evening in the auditorium Sajos a concert was performed based on the traditional songs of Sámi yoik Leu'dd and Livjes. Among the artists this year were Norwegian Sámi Marja Mortensson, followed by the Finnish duo Wimme & Rinne, and then by the Norwegian Slin Craze.

An original sports competition took place among the best Sámi lazo launchers, a tool used to gather reindeer scattered in the forest.