Francophonie Month 2026

Every year, the beginning of March marks the start of the International Francophonie Month which celebrates the diversity of the French language and Francophone cultures around the world.

For the occasion, the French Institute of Finland and the embassies representing different member countries of the International Francophonie Organization are joining forces to offer a rich and festive cultural programme, inviting you to explore the full diversity of the Francophone world in Finland.

Links to detailed pages for each event will be published throughout February.

➡ March 13-14: Concerts by rapper Uzi Freyja in Helsinki and Turku
Bar tÿpo (Helsinki) & Bar Ö (Turku)

Let yourself be carried away by Uzi Freyja, the rising star of the Francophone scene whose energy captivates from the very first beat! Fans of Princess Nokia, Little Simz, or the heavier tracks by the Finnish band PMMP will surely love the first Finnish gigs of this bold Cameroonian artist.

➡ March 6: Pardon My French! – Francophonie special edition with DJ Poupée
Bar tÿpo, Helsinki

As part of our Pardon My French! nights dedicated to contemporary Francophone music, join DJ Poupée for a journey through the best Francophone sounds beyond France—plus our quiz on Francophone countries and their music!

➡ March 12: Literary Speak Dating – Francophonie Edition
French Institute of Finland

Looking to practise your French and discover Francophone authors beyond France? Join us for this special literary speak dating edition!

➡ March 19: Jazz Concert – Abysskiss
French Institute of Finland

A breakout act on the French jazz scene and winner of several prestigious awards, the Abysskiss quartet invites you on a dreamlike journey during the very first concert ever held at the new Institute!

➡ March 19: Concert and pre-talk – “When Brahms Met Viardot”
Sibelius Academy, Helsinki

For Francophonie Month, the Sibelius Academy presents a concert-lecture dedicated to the friendship and musical collaboration between French composer and mezzo-soprano Pauline Viardot and German composer Johannes Brahms. Their friendship, forged in the late 19th century, led to a fruitful musical collaboration whose legacy we can still enjoy today during this evening event.

➡ March 21: Flavours of Francophonie
French Institute of Finland

Get ready for a culinary journey through the member countries of the International Francophonie Organization at this flagship Francophonie event—an unmissable experience for food lovers!

➡ March 27- April 12: Exhibition: Enlightening Journey
French Institute of Finland

During Francophonie Month 2025, we had the privilege to get to know the stories of immigrant students from the Jean-Baptiste Corot vocational high school (Beauvais, France), opening a dialogue around identity and multilingualism. This year, we invite you to discover the second part of the exhibition!

➡ March 28: Francophonie Science Festival
French Institute of Finland

A brand-new addition to the Francophonie programme: discover the work of Francophone researchers based in Finland. The fun, hands-on workshops will spark curiosity among science enthusiasts of all ages—from children to adults.

➡ Francophonie Cooking Classes
French Institute of Finland (date TBC)

Following the success of the Francophonie cooking classes in 2025, International Francophonie Organization member countries invite you once again to uncover the secrets behind their most iconic national dishes!

➡ 2-30/03: African Film Series at Cinema Orion
Cinema Orion

In March, we celebrate Francophone African cinema. A selection of six feature-length films will take you on a journey through the diversity of African Francophone filmmaking.

In collaboration with: