NALLIKARI SNOW FEST 2026 CULMINATES IN SPAIN’S VICTORY – PUBLIC’S FAVORITE COMES FROM FINLAND
The international Nallikari Snow Fest sculpture competition brought together ten teams from around the world to Nallikari, Oulu from 11–15 February 2026. The judges’ top prize went to the Spanish team for their work Cygnus Cygnus. The audience favorite, meanwhile, was Finland’s team with their sculpture Finnish Meditation.
Skilled snow sculptors arrived in Nallikari from ten different countries, with the most distant participants traveling from the USA and Canada. The nearly week-long event concluded on Sunday, 15 February 2026, with an awards ceremony recognizing works in three voting categories: the judges’ choice, the audience vote, and the artists’ selection.
Three-member jury selects the brightest highlights of snow art
The competition’s works were evaluated by a three-member jury, whose expertise covered the technical execution of snow art, artistic expression, and experiential and tourism perspectives. Snow art expert Juhani Lillberg assessed the works based on material mastery, structural stability, and sculpting technique. Creative professional Kari Södö emphasized storytelling, visual impact, and the emotions evoked by the sculptures. Tourism expert Sirpa Walter evaluated the overall experience from the audience’s perspective.
The jury selected the top three sculptures, with Spain’s Cygnus Cygnus taking first place. Second place went to the Czech team’s Wave, and third place to the UK-Canada collaboration Aotearoa.
“Spain’s Cygnus Cygnus is very well executed and streamlined, while also presenting interesting details to the viewer,” Lillberg commented. “The sculpture combines abstract and representational forms in an engaging way and resonates beautifully with the Finnish mindset,” he added.
Audience vote goes to Finland, artists’ choice to Poland
On Saturday, 14 February, visitors had the opportunity to vote for their favorite Snow Fest sculpture. In just a few hours, nearly 300 votes were cast. The audience’s choice went to Finland’s Finnish Meditation, which charmed viewers with its calm atmosphere and expressive quality.
Participating artists also voted for their favorite. Their votes went to Poland’s Jazzpath, praised for its meticulous details and skillful execution.
Capital of Culture year draws thousands to opening weekend
The opening weekend of the Capital of Culture year attracted thousands of visitors to Nallikari, drawing both local residents and international guests.
“The number of visitors on opening day exceeded our expectations. We received positive feedback on the organization of the event, and it is seen as an engaging and accessible cultural experience for the whole family. We expect that in the coming days and weeks, visitor numbers will double compared to the opening weekend. The sculptures continue to delight according to the Winter Village opening hours – it’s wonderful to see how nature, such as the spring sunlight, further shapes the works,” said Snow Fest event coordinator Suvi Palo.
The snow sculptures can still be seen illuminated today, Sunday, from 18:00–21:00. After that, the sculpture park will be open daily from 12:00–16:00 from 16–20 February. Starting 20 February, the sculpture park will follow Nallikari Winter Village’s normal opening hours, and the works will remain on display until the snow melts.
For more information:
events@nallikari.fi
