The Music Stage programme is topped off by the rising star of soul music, Emilia Sisco Sextet. The Finnish Zambian singer-songwriter skillfully combines old and new soul, creating a serene yet groovy atmosphere.
Three new Talks and Discussions programmes are will be published. Iranian fashion designer and activist Farnaz Abdoli offers a perspective on Iran, discussing forms of women’s resistance, the persecution she has faced, and her journey into exile. How can fashion act as a form of resistance and identity in a country where wearing hijab is monitored using drones and smartphone apps?
– When they try to silence women by controlling our bodies, even a dress becomes an act of resistance, says Abdoli.
In the festival’s opening discussion, Fingo Board Chair and Member of Parliament (r) Eva Biaudet and Bishop Bo-Göran Åstrand of the Diocese of Porvoo explore freedom as both a personal experience and a social phenomenon.
In the Saturdays Book Club programme, educationalist Maryama Abdi and PhD Idil Hussein discuss what it is like to grow up multilingual in Finland, surrounded by different expectations.
– The future lies with young people, but what if they don’t believe in the future? Hussein wonders.
Dancing, music and crafting in Kid’s Corner
Kids’ Corner at LillaLuckan offers dance and music workshops where children can explore multicultural rhythms and movement. Over the weekend, visitors can enjoy stand-up comedy, magic show, and theatre. Kite making and collective art activities are also on the agenda. The programme is available in several languages, including Finnish, Swedish, English, and Spanish, but everyone is welcome to participate regardless of language skills. The Stoori Mobile Library will be joining the fun at Narinkka Square.
Luckan Workshop Area offers discussions and activities for adults
Luckan offers workshops on sustainable development, addressing topics such as everyday choices, solutions to conflict situations, and examining freedom from different perspectives. You can learn about Kontula Cultural Mall, Swedish language, or make your own activist stickers. In the primitive drawing workshop, you can create Ukrainian art.
Exhibitors will showcase the work of 90 organisations working for a better world
You can learn about civil society organisations and other organisations at Market of Possibilities at Bio Rex and Narinkka Square. Stands for Finn Church Aid, European Union, Fingo, and Maailman Kuvalehti can be found at Mauno Koivisto Square, next to Lasipalatsi Square. At the stands, you can learn about the non-governmental organisations’ work, try out VR glasses, and explore the theme of Freedom through the lens of civil liberties, human rights and animal rights. Many stands will feature raffles, wheels of fortune, ethical and eco-friendly products, and variety of other exciting activities.
The programme also includes Funky Amigos Terrace Party, Rosebud’s Book World, a wide range of events at Kamppi Chapel, as well as Fiesta Latina and Afro Sunday afterparties.
Visit our website for more details:
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Share your thoughts and follow us #MaailmaKylässä #Freedom
Additional information, media accreditation, interview requests, and photos
Media can apply for accreditation to festival via email no later than Wednesday, May 13. Accredited media will receive a media pass granting access to the festival’s networking area. Accreditation is particularly recommended for photographers moving around the area and for journalists interviewing the audience and artists. Performers and festival organisers can be interviewed before or during the festival. The media is free to use the festival’s press photos from Flickr as well as photos taken at the festival.
Communications Manager Nelli Korpi, nelli.korpi@fingo.fi, +358 50 317 6698
World Village Festival with the theme Freedom, 16–17 May 2026, in the Lasipalatsi District and at Narinkka Square, Helsinki. Admission is free. Organised by Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, the main partners are the European Commission Representation in Finland and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Finland, Finn Church Aid and Maailman Kuvalehti magazine.
