SVĒTKU SOCIĀLĀS UN KULTŪRAS VĒRTĪBAS KRIEVU JAUNIEŠU SKATĪJUMĀ SOMIJĀ
Social and Cultural Values of Festivities from the Perspective of Russian Youth in Finland

Summary/Abstract: The article analyses the views on festivity celebrations of Russian youth living in Finland, emphasising that festivities as an indicator of cultural identity can help to understand the formation of immigrants’ identity. Part One of the article explains data collection methods and describes the methodology used in the research. Part Two of the article contains data analysis of qualitative interviews (n=16). This analysis reveals the experience gained by young people when celebrating various secular and religious festivities. Findings on the social and cultural values that young people see in celebrating festivities conclude the article. Russian youth living in Finland recognise that the value of festivities is determined by the role they play in social integration, transfer of traditions and education. The forming of the cultural identity of immigrants is usually regarded as a binary choice: immigrants identify themselves either with the culture of their host country or with the culture of their origin. The study carried out in Finland among Russian immigrants suggests that the process of identity formation is more complex. The interview data lead to the conclusion that young Russian people living in Finland experience an integration process characterised by identifying themselves with both cultures, i.e. the culture of the host country and that of their country of origin. The example of Russian youth living in Finland illustrates a multi-layered experience of festivities. In parallel with continuing historical memory and ethnic fundamental values, the layer of integration, globalisation, commercialisation and mass culture is becoming more apparent in their experience.

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