At Easter the Sámi village of Kautokeino in Finnmark fills with reindeer races, duodji handicraft markets, theatre and concerts, crowned by the Sámi Grand Prix of joik and song — continuing the old tradition of gathering before the reindeer move to the coast.

Easter in Sápmi

Easter is a holiday with long traditions in Sápmi. According to the festival, it was the time when the Sámi gathered in the village for church services before moving to the coast with their reindeer, and weddings, christenings, confirmations and reindeer racing usually took place then. Reindeer races grew out of these gatherings of people with their draught reindeer, and in 1954 the Norwegian reindeer herders’ association held official races.

Over time the Easter celebration has grown into a programme for families, young people and adults, Sámi and others alike. It includes outdoor activities, markets and duodji — Sámi handicraft — photo and art exhibitions, theatre, reindeer racing, snowmobile cross, fishing competitions and church services.

Joik and the Grand Prix

Music is at the heart of the festival. The festival’s own history recalls that more than fifty years ago, in 1971, a joik concert was held in the school gymnasium — without permission — and concerts have been held every Easter since. Beaivváš Sámi Theatre, founded in 1981, became one of the central organisers, and in 1990 the Sámi Grand Prix was established: a competition where both traditional luohti, or joik, and modern Sámi music are heard, and which is broadcast on Norwegian television.

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