Ministry of Culture is opening Riddu Riđđu 2026

When Riddu Riđđu takes place in Manndalen from 8–12 July, we celebrate 35 years as one of the world's leading meeting places for Indigenous arts and culture. The anniversary festival will be officially opened by Norway's Minister of Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery.

What began as a local initiative to strengthen the Coastal Sámi language, culture and identity in Kåfjord has grown into an internationally acclaimed festival that brings together artists, performers and audiences from around the world every year.

"At a time when Indigenous rights, languages and cultures continue to face challenges in many parts of the world, meeting places like Riddu Riđđu are more important than ever. For 35 years, the festival has demonstrated that art and culture do more than create memorable experiences—they foster understanding, dialogue and change," says Sajje Solbakk, Festival Director of Riddu Riđđu.

The anniversary festival offers five days of concerts, performing arts, literature, seminars, film, art exhibitions, workshops and activities for the whole family. This year's programme features Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Marstein, Violet Road, Elle Maija, Tarrak, and Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvio, alongside a wide range of Indigenous artists from Sápmi and across the globe.

As part of the 35th anniversary celebrations, we invite audiences to Riddu Rewind, a special anniversary concert revisiting some of the highlights of Sámi music history.

At the same time, we look to the future through new commissioned works, innovative Indigenous art, workshops and seminars addressing current social issues. Among them is the seminar "Kem eie kommagan?", which explores the relationship between Sámi and Kven communities: Are we neighbours, competitors or allies?

This year's art exhibition honours one of Sápmi's most influential artists, Áilo-Máhtte-Hánsa (Hans Ragnar Mathisen). The exhibition also highlights the little-known but significant play Bjørnefesten (The Bear Feast) from 1969.

Each year, Riddu Riđđu shines a spotlight on one or more northern Indigenous peoples. In this anniversary year, the focus is on river peoples. Through encounters with Indigenous communities from Alaska, Turtle Island (Canada), Kalaallit Nunaat and Sápmi, visitors will gain insight into societies that have lived in close relationship with rivers for generations. The programme also highlights the challenges these communities face from industrial development, overfishing and a rapidly changing climate.

Welcome to the celebration!