Info

Leif Laaksonen

Since 1995, World Village Festival has been a free festival for the whole family. The event is open to all and a meeting place offering tastes of different cultures and surprises from all over the world.

There was approximately 105 000 festival visitors in 2012.

Cultures from all over the world meet in the centre of Helsinki on 25-26 May 2013. The festival offers world views and possibilities, as well as music, circus, dance, theatre, art and activities.

The event offers new perspectives on tolerant multiculturalism, development cooperation, global issues and expanding one's possibilities for affecting everyday life.

Promotional video tells the story of the festival

Watch the promotional video filmed at the 2012 festival to see what the festival is all about. Starring Elena Leeve and Jussi Nikkilä.

Festival magazine

Read more about the 2013 festival on the festival magazine. Festival Magazine (8 Mb) 2013.

Organisers

The main organiser of World Village Festival is the KEPA, which is an umbrella organisation for nearly 300 development organisations or other NGOs working on issues concerning development and globalisation. KEPA itself is a politically and ideologically non-aligned organisation that operates with funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Over 500 other partners are involved in the festival – some 300 NGOs as well as educational institutions, museums, public authorities and businesses.

Check out the history of the festival to see how it all began.

Location

World Village Festival takes place in Kaisaniemi Park and Railway Square in Helsinki. The programme takes place on seven stages, in several theme villages, and inside the Market of Possibilities -tent for NGOs.

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Exhibitors

There are about 450 exhibitors at the festival. NGO's, CSOs, educational institutions, governmental organisations, bazaar and food vendors introduce their operations.

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Accessibility

The whole festival area is accessible by wheelchair. Taxis can stop at the Railway Square near the Aleksis Kivi statue. People with physical disabilities can use the elevator at the Virgin Oil Co. night club.

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Green Festival

When it comes to environmental awareness and sustainable development, World Village Festival has taken these things to heart.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find frequently asked questions about the festival. When and where is the festival? Is the area accessible with a wheelchair? Is there a cloakroom or a child care room? Where can I buy records of the artists performing?

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Mailing list

By joining the mailing list, you’ll be among the first to know about the festival’s developments and new programme information. During the spring, you will receive news about World Village Festival nearly every week.

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History

Learn about the history of the festival and check out who has performed there previous years.

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Main Partners