Festival of Cultures 2025: Let’s make and play “Fukuwarai”!

Join us for a fun and interactive Fukuwarai workshop — a traditional Japanese New Year’s game that literally means “lucky laugh.” Similar to Pin the Tail on the Donkey, players try to place facial features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth onto a blank face while blindfolded. The results are often funny, surprising, and full of laughter! Through this playful activity, we’ll explore creativity, cultural exchange, and the joy of shared laughter that connects people across cultures. No artistic skills are required — just curiosity and a sense of humor! Come and experience the delight of making silly faces, laughing together, and celebrating the universal spirit of play!

Please note that the main language of the event is English The event is organized by volunteer students and staff members from the University of Oulu and Oulu University of Applied Sciences.

What: Let’s make and play “Fukuwarai”!

When: Thursday 20th November, workshop 1: 10:00–10:45 & Workshop 2: 11:00–11:45.

Where: Tellus, Galaxy

The event is open for all, no pre-registration needed. Please note that the workshop runs twice, so please arrive either 10:00 or 11:00.

The University of Oulu, in collaboration with Oulu University of Applied Sciences, the Student Union of the University of Oulu, and the Student Union of Oulu University of Applied Sciences, is organizing the Festival of Cultures week to celebrate our multicultural community in Oulu and promote cultural awareness. The events of the week are open to everyone interested. We expect all participants to demonstrate respectful behavior and consideration for others. Any kind of discriminatory behavior is not tolerated at our events.

Festival of Cultures is part of the Oulu2026 programme and cultural climate change.