Glowember 2023
November 1–30
In November 2023, it was time to celebrate light
The contrast of darkness and light has always inspired people and created new experiences. That is why the Oulu2026 area was adorned with the brilliance of lights and colours during November through various events and community art installations. For the first time ever, we introduced “Glowember” – a spectacle that aimed to brighten the darkening days of November.
Some of the events during Glowember were well known, while others were organized for the first time. People could participate in Glowember by attending events or visiting permanent light installations, illuminating their homes or workplaces, and sharing light-themed pictures and experiences on social media.
The first Glowember included Ii, Kajaani, Kemi, Kempele, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Nivala, Oulu, Tornio, Tyrnävä, and Ylivieska. Events were free of charge, but some required advance registration. More detailed information about the events and artworks that took place can still be found on this page.
Glowember Lottery
We had a little social media challenge to celebrate Glowember. People could participate by taking light-themed photos and sharing it on social media.
Lots of people visited Glowember events, such as the Lumo Light Festival, and shared the photos they took there. We also saw people decorating their homes and making artwork inspired by light.
The lottery was held for each week of Glowember and the lucky winners received Oulu2026-themed prizes. We were glad to see so many people being inspired by light and hope even more people participate next year!
Organizer Oulun kulttuurisäätiö sr Y-tunnus 3246820-6 Torikatu 18 1 krs., 90100 Oulu oulu2026@ouka.fi Lottery You can...
Events in the Oulu2026 area
Several events illuminated November in Ii, Kajaani, Kemi, Kempele, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Nivala, Oulu, Tornio, Tyrnävä, and Ylivieska.
On this page, you can find information about the events that took place during Glowember 2023. The events are organized by municipality in alphabetical order. Glowember will return again in November 2024.
Ii
Festival of Light
Pappilantie 16, Ii and Nättepori, Puistotie 1, Ii.
October 22nd to October 26th
The Festivat of lights is celebrated in Ii on national mental health week from 22th to 26th of October. The Festivat brings light and joy to the middle of darkest time of the year.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Kajaani
Kekri Festival and Kekri Market
Linnankatu 27, 81700 Kajaani
Kekri Market: November 4th, from 12:00 to 20:00
Kekri Festival and the Burning of Kekri Goat: November 4th, at 18:00
Kekri Festival is celebrated this year under the theme “Path of Light.” The celebration culminates in the traditional manner, with the Kekri Goat burning and illuminating the Kajaani Castle ruins by the river. The Kekri Goat is launched into the Kajaani River a week before the event. In conjunction with the Kekri Festival, the City of Kajaani organizes the heartwarming Kekri Market in the Rantapuisto Park area.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Kemi
Kemi participates in the Month of Light with permanent art installations that can be visited at any time. For more information, please visit Kemi’s Art in the City page
Flumen, Mia Hamari and Heini Myllyoja 2023
Valtaojankatu 1, 94100 Kemi
The light and sound artwork “Flumen” (Latin for “Flow”) at Pajarinranta Daycare consists of stainless steel and copper plates with marine-inspired shapes and pixelation, mounted on the exterior wall. These plates reflect and transmit light in various ways. Circular elements depict marine life, while wave patterns represent water, air, and land rising. During the dark hours, the plates are illuminated by a pixel-controlled light strip, giving the artwork a tranquil motion. The installation also includes a sound environment that extends into the surrounding area. Artists Mia Erlin and Heini Myllyoja designed the light installation in 2023, and Mia Erlin created the sound. The lighting of the artwork is activated in the evening after sunset and turns off at dawn. The sound environment plays daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Pendulum, student work 2014
Marina Takalon katu 3, 94100 Kemi
Inside the stage tower of Kemi Cultural Center, you’ll find the Pendulum light artwork (2014) designed by students from the Berlin University of the Arts. This pendulum, shaped like a clock’s hand, is 6.5 meters long and has LED lights attached that shine towards the wall. The artwork is in a swinging motion during the darkest months. Pendulum is part of the joint ValoTila project by the City of Kemi and Lapland University of Applied Sciences.
Majakka, Kaija Kiuru 2002
Merikatu 12, 94100 Kemi
Kaija Kiuru’s steel sculpture, “Majakka” (“Lighthouse”), is located on the shore of Hahtisaari. The artwork’s form suggests the concept of home and stillness, but also waiting and longing. Majakka emits light and provides shelter. The light from within the sculpture shines through the names of ships cut into the steel. Kaija Kiuru says, “The idea of shelter comes from images I saw of refugee camps in 2001. 80% of refugees are women and girls without a home. They often have only a tent as shelter. This made me ponder the significance of homelessness. A boat or ship is a means by which a refugee can find safety.”
Yhdessä noustaan ylöspäin, Gunnar Suikki 2006
Valtakatu 42, 94100 Kemi
In the roundabout at the intersection of Etelänväylä/Asemakatu and Valtakatu, you’ll find Gunnar Suikki’s artwork, “Yhdessä noustaan ylöspäin” (“Together we Rise Up”), composed of illuminated steel mesh. The artwork features a blue and red half-circle intertwined with each other. The blue and red halves symbolically represent the Kemi of the bourgeoisie before the 1931 regional merger and the Kemi of the working class after the merger.
Kempele
Marrastulet – Event series
Nature trail of Vihiluoto, Vihiluoto 10, 90440 Kempele
November 15th, from 17:00 to 20:00
The events are rooted in the themes devised by the municipalities, such as darkness, death, hope, community and vastness. They take place in everyday places, which can be experienced differently for one evening. The works are based on local stories and legends in collaboration with the village association and other actors. The Marrastulet event series is part of the North Ostrobothnia Regional Council’s “Kulttuurikenno” art pilot. The organization of the events is coordinated by the Northern Opera Company and the municipality. Marrastulet events are celebrated in Tyrnävä on November 4, Kempele on November 15, Liminka on November 18, and Lumijoki on November 25.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Liminka
Water, My Beloved
Ojanperä school, Ketunmaantie 80, 91900 Liminka
From November 8th to December 21st, 8:00–16:00
The 3rd and 4th-grade students of Ojanperä School realized in October 2023 a community light art piece titled “Water, My Beloved,” designed by Pia Leppänen. A total of 100 contributors used the Japanese momigami technique. The artwork is freely accessible in the cafeteria of Ojanperä School.
More information about the art piece designed by Pia Leppänen can be found on the this article.
Marrastulet
Arboretum of Alakestilä, Värminkoskentie 20, 91900 Liminka
November 18th, from 16:00 to 19:00
Darkness, death and the black water in November. A shadow glimpses in the mirror, the bed of reeds is standing frozen. Where is the light? In the experiential place-related work series of the Northern Opera Company, the aesthetics of everyday but forgotten places are explored and waded through the lands of black waters. The works are based on stories and legends in cooperation with village associations and other operators. The Marrastulet event series is part of the North Ostrobothnia Regional Council’s “Kulttuurikenno” art pilot. The organization of the events is coordinated by the Northern Opera Company and the municipality. Marrastulet events are celebrated in Tyrnävä on November 4, Kempele on November 15, Liminka on November 18, and Lumijoki on November 25.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Water, My Beloved
Tuiskulanranta 2, 91910 Tupos
From November 20th to December 1st, 16:00–18:00
The art exhibition ‘Water, My Beloved’ is open to the entire village community. On display are community light art pieces and artworks created by students from grades 1 to 8. Admission to the exhibition is free.
More information about the art piece designed by Pia Leppänen can be found on the this article.
Lumijoki
Marrastulet
Varjakantie 828, 91980 Lumijoki
November 25, from 15:00 to 18:00
The “Marrastulet” works have been created based on themes suggested by municipalities, such as darkness, death, hope, community, and vastness. The events take place in everyday locations, which can be experienced differently for one evening. The works are built on local stories and legends in collaboration with village associations and other actors. The Marrastulet event series is part of the North Ostrobothnia Regional Council’s “Kulttuurikenno” art pilot. The organization of the events is coordinated by the Northern Opera Company and the municipality. Marrastulet events are celebrated in Tyrnävä on November 4, Kempele on November 15, Liminka on November 18, and Lumijoki on November 25.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Muhos
The Lights of Lemmenpolku Trail
Lemmenpolku of Muhos, Kieksintie 105, 91430 Muhos
November 11th, from 16:00 to 20:00
The Lights of Lemmenpolku Trail, is an annual light art event held near the Pyhäkoski hydroelectric power station in Leppiniemi, which is a culturally and historically significant area. Visitors are guided through the November darkness by light art, made by the skilled artists of Northern Opera Company. This years theme is “Maille mustien vesien”, roughly translated as “Upon the Grounds of Blackwater”
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Nivala
Marrasvalakiat – Light to the Darkness!
Kalliontie 21, Nivala
From November 24th to December 3rd
Marrasvalakia Week brings light to the darkness. It is a week-long event with a program organized by various entities.
The week kicks off on November 24th at 6:00 PM with the Christmas opening ceremony at Nivala Market Square. The event is free to attend.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Oulu
Lumo Light Festival
Oulu
From November 17th to November 19th
The Lumo Light Festival is a free, family-friendly event organized by the City of Oulu and open to everyone. The event’s coordination is managed by the City of Oulu’s Communications and Events Group, with participation from a broad network of partners, including both the city organization and local businesses and civil society actors.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Pyhäjärvi
Water, my beloved
Trade center Woltti, Ollintie 17, 89800 Pyhäjärvi
From November 27th to January 1st
In the lobby of Pyhäjärvi’s Wolt trade center, there is a light and sound installation created by the 7th-grade students of Salme school. Under the guidance of visual arts teacher Suvi Ruotoistenmäki, the students have implemented the installation, which includes soundscapes recorded by the students under the direction of music teacher Janne Jääskelä. The artwork originated in a workshop led by artist Pia Leppänen and lighting designer Indrek Virronen and is intended to bring joy to the community during the darkest times. The completion of the community art piece has been assisted by crafts teacher Olavi Linna, the Jokilaakso Music Institute, and the cultural services of the city of Pyhäjärvi. Admission is free during the shopping center’s opening hours.
More information about the art piece designed by Pia Leppänen can be found on the this article.
Tornio
PIOT interdisciplinary light festival
Rantakatu, Tornio
From November 10th to November 11th, 17:00 to 22:00
The purpose of PIOT is to show and see the city in a new light. Together. Peek into the other side of everyday life. Bring light at the darkest time of the year. The event includes immersive experiences and visible artworks that take participants above everyday life. Light is used to celebrate our Tornio and our life, history, present and future.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Tyrnävä
Marrastulet – Festival
Tyrnävä
From October 30th to November 4th
The Marrastulet Festival brings light to the darkest time of the year! The festival takes place in Tyrnävä for a week. The events are free to attend, and you are warmly welcome!
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Heli Suutari: Speaking about Mental Well-being and Ill-being
Meijerikatu 3, 91800 Tyrnävä
EVENT CANCELLED
Therapist and author Heli Suutari’s speaking event in the Myllykirjasto magazine room. The interviewer will be Municipality of Tyrnävä’s Director of Personnel and Well-being, Teija Eskola. The event is in Finnish. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Gangewifre
Meijerikatu 3, 91800 Tyrnävä
November 30th, at 19:00
As part of the Marrastulet Festival program: Gangewifre. Aerial acrobatics performance in the adult section of Myllykirjasto. Performer: Ilona Jäntti, music: Gamardah Fungus. Duration approximately 10 minutes. Photograph by Inkeri Jäntti.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Ghosts and Crimes on the Plains – Ages 15 and up! Walking tour in Tyrnävä
Meijerikatu 2, 91800 Tyrnävä
November 1st, from 17:30 to 18:30
The tour is guided by Sandra Marcelletti. It starts from the yard of Restaurant Pömilä. The tour concludes at the Object Museum, where hot drinks will be provided by the association of Tyrnävä’s church village. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp with you! NOTE! Advance registration is required, and the group is limited to the first 12 participants. Unfortunately, the walking tour is not wheelchair-accessible due to the visit to the Object Museum.
Registrations: tii.veijola@tyrnava.fi
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Death - Then and Now
Meijerikatu 3, 91800 Tyrnävä
November 2nd, from 18:00 to 20:00
Part of the Marrastulet Festival program: “Death – Then and Now.” Expect speeches and discussions on the following topics: “Death as a Part of Life – Then and Now” (cultural heritage expert, MA Jaana Koski) and “Death in Folk Poetry” (Director of Education, University of Oulu, PhD Elina Palola). In addition to the experts’ talks, time will be allocated for questions and discussions. Coffee will be served. No entrance fee. The event is in Finnish.
More information can be found on the event’s home page.
Upon the Grounds of Blackwater
Leather factory area, Voitonmutka 4, 91800, Tyrnävä
November 4th, from 17:00 to 20:00
Darkness, death and the black water in November. A shadow glimpses in the mirror, the bed of reeds is standing frozen. Where is the light? In the experimential place-related work series, the aesthetics of everyday but forgotten places are explored and waded through the lands of black waters. The works are based on stories and legends. The event is free to attend. Upon the Grounds of Blackwater is part of the Marrastulet event series. The Marrastulet event series is part of the North Ostrobothnia Regional Council’s “Kulttuurikenno” art pilot. The organization of the events is coordinated by the Northern Opera Company and the municipality. Marrastulet events are celebrated in Tyrnävä on November 4, Kempele on November 15, Liminka on November 18, and Lumijoki on November 25.
More information can be found on the even’ts home page.
Tii Helinä Art: non-stop video art performance
Meijerikatu 6, 91800 Tyrnävä
November 4th, from 17:00 to 20:00
The performances are presented non-stop, so you can attend them at any time. Please note that the performances might not be suitable for everyone. Some of the imagery may be disturbing for small children.
More information can be found on event’s home page.
Ylivieska
Ylivieska Christmas Opening
Ylivieska’s new market, Rautatiekatu 15 / Torikatu 1, Ylivieska
November 17th, from 18:00 to 20:00
The city of Ylivieska holds its annual Christmas Opening event in the new market place area along Rautatienkatu.
The market and barracks area buildings will be festively illuminated by Christmas lights. There will be a programme of activities for the whole family, Christmas cheer and music. No entrance fee.