Kaustinen folk music is a Finnish tradition with the fiddle (violin) as the main melodic instrument. Although the violin isn't the only instrument, it often punctuates the dances or songs. When played by ear, the rhythms are syncopated and are easy for people to dance to.
Kaustinen folk music has existed for 250 years, with an extensive repertoire of several hundred tunes. It’s played in many ways, including in private, in organized groups, at public celebrations and ceremonies, at concerts and at jam sessions. Performers wear traditional costumes.
Most inhabitants of Kaustinen and the neighboring communities consider the music an important part of their identity even if they are not practitioners themselves. It represents a sense of belonging and is seen as an important way of strengthening ties between generations. Public spaces are named for the music, and symbols such as the fiddle are present in the Kaustinen coat of arms. Many Finns believe that Kaustinen equals folk music and folk music equals Kaustinen.
Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, celebrated in July every year, is the largest traditional music and dance festival in the Nordic countries. Each year since 1970, the festival nominates a master musician, singer, dancer, or ensemble on the basis of their repertoire, skill, and work to keep the Finnish folk music and dance traditions alive. Recording, maintaining, and developing the tradition has been a major factor in preserving it, as well as strengthening playing music as a hobby.
A major reason why this tradition continues to be so successful at passing it down from generation to generation is the internationally recognized näppäri pedagogical method. This tradition extends into the neighboring municipalities, particularly Veteli and Halsua. Traditions are passed on both through private and informal learning as well as through instructor-led and organized learning.
In 1974, the Finnish Folk Music Institute was established, and it is based in Kaustinen. It promotes folk music and folk dance at the national level, but has also made significant contributions to the preservation of the local tradition through research, recording, archiving, and publications.
There is a strong future for the Kaustinen tradition. It’s practiced actively and in an organized manner. There are enough enthusiasts, of all ages, which makes it possible to preserve and develop the tradition for the time being. This is supported by strong and diverse organizations that have developed around it. This includes the organization, documentation, and recording of recreational activities, as well as education, training, and event planning.