Kolibrí Festival Opening

The Kolibrí Festival celebrates the opening of its 15th edition at Helsinki Central Library Oodi with a multilingual and interactive children's event on 29.8.2026 from 16.00 to 17.00 in Maijansali Hall.

The celebration opens with Rio Saarton's (Finland/Peru) performance Follow the River - a choreography where movement flows forward like a running stream, playing with rhythm and changes of direction. Rio was born the same year the Kolibrí Festival was founded.

Following this is Trio Mandeng: Maarika Autio (Finland), Adama Kone (Mali), and Mohamed Bangoura (Guinea). The concert draws from ancient West African mandé music and storytelling traditions, featuring the kora harp and balafon.

The event is free. Full Kolibrí 2026 Festival programme: www.kolibrifestivaali.org