The city of Helsinki is preparing for possible puck parties on Sunday.
At the May Day celebration, the organizers will varnish Manta. Liisa Kauppinen, Iltalehti
The city of Helsinki is preparing to protect Havis Amanda’s statue and fountain with plywood on Sunday if Finland plays in the final of the World Hockey Championships.
Havis Amanda is over 110 years old.
– The fence will be built tomorrow if Finland plays in the final match, confirms Helsinki’s Culture and Leisure vs. Industry Director Laura Aalto To the evening newspaper.
Aalto says that over the years there have been various fences around Manta. This year we ended up with plywood.
Guards will also be present if Finland plays in the final.
– The fence is high. It protects the fountain and the sculpture, as well as people from climbing the sculpture and being injured when falling, Aalto says.
According to him, Manta has had to experience hardships.
– It is in a fragile condition, Aalto says.
– We want it to remain a symbol of Helsinki in the future as well.
No responsible organizer
According to Aalto, the city has learned from recent years that it is necessary to protect climbers and fragile Manta.
He notes that Manta has been the scene of significant moments for decades.
In the next few years, Manta will be going for a fitness check, but the exact schedule for the restoration of the fragile statue is not yet known.
– Sports festivals differ from May Day in that there is a responsible event organizer at the May Day celebration, Aalto points out.
Spontaneous parties have more of a challenge because they don’t have an official organizer.
According to Aalto, the wishes for the tender treatment of the statue have been partially heard.
– It hasn’t reached the audience at all.
You can party at the market
Aalto says that during the Olympics in the winter, for example, the city sent a message that there had been no climbing on top of the sculpture. The request was not granted.
– I encourage everyone to rejoice and celebrate around Kauppatori, Aalto encourages.
The celebration is great outside the fountain and the statue.
– Excitement game, good luck to the Lions! Aalto wishes.
Havis reported on Amanda’s fencing earlier STT.