European Day of Languages 2026 Events at Oodi

The European Day of Languages is being celebrated for the 26th time this year. The day aims to highlight the benefits and fun of language skills and encourage people to learn and use different languages.

The European Commission's Finland Representation is organizing two events on 24 September 2026 at Helsinki Central Library Oodi in collaboration with embassies and language institutes of various EU countries, the Svenska nu network, the Finnish Language Teachers Association SUKOL, the Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters SKTL, the Finnish Deaf Association, and the Nordic Culture Point.

Language Café (9:30-12:30 and 13:30-15:30, Maijansali, ground floor)

The Language Café is aimed at 7th-9th graders and upper secondary school students - teachers can bring their student groups to explore European languages, countries and cultures through games, quizzes and other activities. In addition to the EU's official languages, Finnish and Finland-Swedish sign languages are represented. Registration opens on Tuesday, 1 September: https://www.lyyti.in/Euroopan_kielten_paiva_2026_Kielikahvila_Oodissa_8071/fi

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Read in EU Languages (16:30-17:30, 3rd floor, Saarikoski Carpet)

Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1865, is one of the world's most translated children's books - there are 174 official translations. Excerpts from the book are presented in several EU languages and sign languages. The event is free and open to everyone.