February 18-24, 2024
NEW! Winner of the Inaugural Sauna Poster Art Competition
Congratulations to Debbie Paver of Calumet, Michigan, who created the winning entry in the first National Sauna Week poster contest.
“I am incredibly excited to be a part of this tradition,” says Debbie. The graphic designer grew up in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, and loves calling the Upper Peninsula and the Keweenaw Peninsula home. She enjoys hiking, time with her dog and her “beloved Lake Superior,” rockhounding, photography, vinyl records and invitations to her friends’ sauna.
In her Artist Statement Paver says, “For National Sauna Week I want to celebrate the sauna’s role as a central opportunity to rejuvenate, meditate and connect with your own mind, body and spirit. In the heart of winter when our region is cascaded in a palette of blues, whites and grays, the beckoning warmth of the sauna shines brightest. This piece is a celebration of the power of the sauna’s abilities to warm us to the core and provide the energy to wholly enjoy and appreciate both the power and majestic beauty of a Keweenaw winter.”
The judges—noted Vermont artist and FFN Artist of the Year Eric Aho and Finlandia Art Gallery Director and Curator Carrie Vander Veen—pored over the 15 entries from all corners of the United States.
They were impressed by many of the designs submitted, and engaged in quite a bit of discussion before deciding on Debbie Paver’s interpretation, saying, “We liked the elegant, refined view of the winter palette of the Keweenaw and also the inviting warmth of the sauna, making the sauna experience welcoming to all.” The National Sauna Week poster contest entries will be on display at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan.
Sauna is the most known Finnish word in the U.S., within and outside of the Finnish-American community. While many people have experienced sauna at hotels, spas and gyms, in the time of COVID-19, home saunas have become popular additions.
Finlandia Foundation National has declared the last week in February “National Sauna Week” to build awareness and appreciation of this aspect of Finnish and Finnish-American culture.
Our second annual celebration was February 19-25, 2023, and featured a variety of online programs with experts on different aspects of sauna culture. Some FFN chapters and independent businesses also hosted events in their communities. Click below for links to our events, which are being added to the FFN YouTube channel, where you’ll also find our 2022 Sauna Week programs.
Scroll down for songs, stories, proverbs, facts, Chef Mikko’s recipes and cooking demo and more!
We offer sauna information and fun content at this website, our social media and YouTube channel. Explore these pages and check back often, as we update and add to the content all year long.
Mark your calendar for the next National Sauna Week, February 18-24, 2024.
Below, click to view a brief introduction to sauna.
Enjoy exploring the resources here, and feel free to forward tips, information, resources, songs, stories and other fun stuff related to sauna to: kath@finlandiafoundation.org
COMING SOON: 2024 SAUNA WEEK EVENTS!
FFN is scheduling a full week of free, online programming for National Sauna Week, February 18-24. The lineup of fascinating and fun virtual sessions cover a range of topics related to sauna and its health benefits, folklore, art, entrepreneurship and more.
Programs include a talk with FFN Artist of the Year Eric Aho; an intriguing exploration of sauna magic by Finnish folklorist Dalva Lamminmäki in conversation with Frank Eld; generations of sauna with the Upper Bench crew and author Lassi Liikkanen; and more!
Additionally, FFN chapters across the U.S. are hosting or producing National Sauna Week events. Details will be posted soon!