Eino Leino Day

Eino Leino Day brings together Finland's leading poets, spoken word artists, and singer-songwriters on the Espa stage in this traditional literary event.

This year's programme features Jukka Viikilä, a two-time Finlandia Prize winner, poet Aura Nurmi who writes about poverty and beauty found in life's details, singer-songwriter Miika Leivo, writer and cultural worker Susinukke Kosola (Daniil Kozlov) from Turku, and spoken word artist Rauhatäti. The event also announces the 2026 Eino Leino Prize recipient.

The event is organized by the Eino Leino Society with support from the City of Helsinki. Poet Harri Hertell hosts the afternoon. Warm welcome!

Schedule

15.00 | Jukka Viikilä
Jukka Viikilä is a two-time Finlandia Prize-winning author who has published both novels and poetry collections.

15.20 | Aura Nurmi
Aura Nurmi is an award-winning poet and author from Helsinki who often addresses poverty and exclusion in her work, while also capturing the beauty and joy that emerge from life's small moments.

15.40 | Miika Leivo
Miika Leivo, who recently settled in Lahti, blends world music folk and indie with Finnish singer-songwriter tradition. The style can be melancholic but not crushing. His 2024 debut album Nääj received four stars in Pekka Laine's reviews and the songs play on radio frequencies and playlists. The album was produced by Pentti Amore, who produced Spice Girls' first album. Miika is known for intense live performances and has opened for artists including Samuli Putro and Edu Kettunen. New music is planned for 2026.

16.00 | Announcement of the 2026 Eino Leino Prize recipient
The Eino Leino Prize is a literary award given since 1956, with a prize sum of 5200 euros donated by the Finnish Book Foundation. The 2025 prize recipient will be announced on the Espa stage.

16.10 | Susinukke Kosola
Daniil Kozlov (born 1991), stage name Susinukke K