Qooqa Festival

Qooqa Festival Program en

The festival's theme will be based on Ole Brandt's book, "Qooqa," which is set in the Qeqertalik area. "Qooqa" tells the story of life in a hunting community in the early 18th century. The main characters, Qooqa and his friend Mikisuluk, grow up in a village in North Greenland. When they are still children, their fathers are killed by a hunter named Saqu. This tragedy forces the boys to take on the responsibilities of providing for their families at a young age. According to ancient customs, Qooqa and Mikisuluk are expected to avenge their fathers' deaths, but Qooqa rejects the cycle of fear and violence that revenge causes.

The book is filled with cultural traditions and beliefs from that time.

The festival will focus on these traditions, inspired by "Qooqa," including rituals, norms, and beliefs from the 18th century. There will be cultural performances such as drum and mask dances, storytelling, shamanism, tales of spirits and horror, and various ancestral traditions. Additionally, the festival will showcase traditional hunting and fishing methods, preparation of Greenlandic food, and crafting of traditional tools and tupilaks.

This year, the festival will be held on the island of Akullinnguaq, south of Kangaatsiaq.There is transportation available from Kangaatsiaq to the island of Akullinnguaq, as well as camping accommodation on the island. Please note that there are a limited number of seats for the transportation if you do not arrange your own transport and accommodation.
If you have any questions or wish to register, you are welcome to contact the organizers:

• Timi Tarni, leader at Kommune Qeqertalik Kangaatsiaq, email: rhe@qeqertalik.gl

• Arne Sandgreen Reimer, project consultant at Qeqertalik Business Council, email: projekt@qbc.gl