Riddu Riđđu

Indigenous Voices and Global Rhythms on the Arctic Coast

2026/07/07 - 2026/07/11

Every July, the small seaside village of Olmmáivággi (Manndalen) in northern Norway is transformed into a crossroads of indigenous cultures during Riddu Riđđu. Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Sámi and indigenous artists from around the world gather for five days of music, art, workshops, and community. The sounds of joik and drums, the laughter of families and friends, and the salty sea breeze fill the festival grounds with vibrant energy.

Riddu Riđđu is a festival where everyone is welcome—local Sámi, indigenous peoples from around the world, and travelers alike. Dance under the midnight sun, savor Arctic flavors, and join Sámi craft workshops for an experience that connects you to the world in both body and spirit.

Main Attractions

Concerts from Around the World

The heart of Riddu Riđđu is its diverse concerts. Sámi musicians share the stage with indigenous artists from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. From joik and Inuit throat singing to reggae, hip-hop, and electronica, music that transcends genres and borders echoes across the fjord. People dance barefoot on the grass, and the combination of sea breeze and rhythm creates a unique sense of freedom.

Workshops and Cultural Experiences

During the day, there are workshops on duodji (Sámi crafts), joik singing, lasso throwing, and other traditional programs. There are also children’s events, indigenous storytelling circles, and art exhibitions, making the entire venue a place of learning and exchange. The scent of birch smoke and reindeer stew drifts from the lavvu (Sámi tents), while elders’ stories and young people’s face painting add color to the scene.

Costumes and Decorations

Many participants wear gákti, the Sámi traditional clothing, adorned with vivid embroidery and silverwork. Indigenous people from around the world gather in their own traditional attire, turning the venue into a patchwork of color and stories. Sámi flags, birch branches, driftwood, and reindeer antler art decorate the grounds, while the tactile feel of wool, leather, beads, and children in miniature gákti are especially memorable.

Cultural and Historical Background

The birth of Riddu Riđđu is closely tied to a major turning point in Sámi society in the early 1990s. At that time, Sámi youth in the Manndalen region felt a strong need to actively reclaim and pass on their long-suppressed language, culture, and identity to the next generation. Determined to create a place to celebrate Sámi pride and share it with the world, they launched the first Riddu Riđđu in 1991.

“Riddu Riđđu” means “small storm on the coast” in North Sámi, symbolizing both the harshness of nature and the awakening of culture, as well as the changes of the era. While it started as a local event for Sámi and Norwegians, it has grown into an international festival with indigenous artists and activists from Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and more.

The festival not only preserves Sámi traditional music, crafts, language, and food culture, but also serves as a vital forum for indigenous solidarity, dialogue, respect for diversity, and discussion of indigenous rights and issues in contemporary society. Riddu Riđđu continues to attract people from all over the world as a “living cultural festival” that honors ancestors and nature, passes on wisdom, and inspires hope for new generations.

Participant Voices

I came as a tourist from Germany and was warmly welcomed. I tried my hand at lasso throwing and tasted reindeer stew for the first time. The music, the people, the scenery—everything felt magical. I left with a deeper respect for indigenous cultures.

Fun Facts

“Riddu Riđđu” means “small storm on the coast” in North Sámi.
The midnight sun never sets, so music and celebrations continue all night long.
Workshops and concerts are held in lavvu, traditional tents made of wood and reindeer hides.