According to the Finnish Literature Society, the Kalevala is part of the European epic tradition and has had a strong social dimension from the beginning.
Finland is applying for a European cultural heritage label for the Kalevala. Yesterday, Finland submitted an application with the aim of getting the Kalevala a cultural heritage label as a living epic tradition, says the project’s main applicant, the Suomalainen Kirjallisuuden Seura (SKS).
The European Commission will make a decision on the matter by spring 2024.
The European Cultural Heritage Label is a cultural heritage act under the European Union. In Finland, the application and implementation of the ID is coordinated by the National Museum Agency.