The plateau wakes — festival, joik and reindeer racing
Easter is not quiet on the Finnmark plateau — it is the highlight of the year. Traditionally it was the time when people gathered after winter: weddings, christenings and reunions. Today Kautokeino at Easter is a buzzing cultural centre, with a festival, concerts, reindeer racing and people from all over Sápmi.
Easter on the plateau
The Sámi Easter tradition springs from the reindeer-herding year: before the spring migration, families met while the snow still held. So Easter became the time for the big life events. That tradition lives on — combined today with a modern cultural festival that draws visitors from afar.
The Sámi Easter Festival and Sámi Grand Prix
The Kautokeino festival offers a rich programme of concerts, performing arts and family activities. One of the highlights is the Sámi Grand Prix — a competition in joik and Sámi song that gathers performers from all of Sápmi and is decided before a packed hall.
The programme varies from year to year, so check the official channels for dates and tickets well in advance.
🐎
Reindeer racing
A fast-paced contest on the snow
🎤
Sámi Grand Prix
Joik and song competition
🪢
Lasso throwing
A traditional skill on the programme
📅
Easter
The great gathering time in Kautokeino
Reindeer racing and lasso throwing
Reindeer racing is as spectacular as it sounds: a reindeer pulls a competitor on skis or a sledge at full speed across a snow track, in front of a cheering crowd. Together with lasso throwing and other traditional skills it offers a lively, fast-paced side of reindeer culture — perfect for the whole family.
🛏️
Book early
Easter is the busiest week of the year in Kautokeino. Accommodation fills up long in advance and capacity is limited. Book both rooms and tickets well ahead — and plan for winter driving to the plateau.
Tips
- 🗓️The dates follow Easter and vary — check the festival’s official programme.
- 🛏️Book accommodation months ahead; the plateau fills up.
- 🧥Dress for winter — it is still cold on the plateau at Easter.
- 🎟️Buy Sámi Grand Prix tickets early if you want a seat.
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