Long hot summer
This summer I have ventured in various colourful events all over Finland, and have discovered that most of them were as high quality and cosy as chargeable festivals. The latest example of this was last week’s Punajuuri (beetroot) Blockparty, which was an outdoor concert organised by the joint effort from Punavuori residents in Helsinki. Even famous artists performed on the small stage, and the evening was spent in good spirits. Despite the zero budget, or perhaps exactly because of it, the event was extremely successful.
There are of course also some drawbacks about summer events, but what would a city be without such zest? I have also taken part in volunteering in organizing events both in the Helsinki region and overseas. Despite the heavy and unpaid work there is a strong drive to work together in doing something, offering experiences and contributing to the positive atmosphere of our living environment. Events organized by cities, organizations and volunteers, especially when they are free of charge, bring outstanding added value to my everyday life in the city. I lift my hat to those who make this possible.
Gathering around good music, food or a shared hobby brings us closer together. I dare to argue that free events are a much more important investment in the city dwellers’ mental and cultural wellbeing than we can even imagine. For sure, everything has its price, but when the supply meets the demand, it makes the city even cozier and a more interesting place to live.
So, I will continue enjoying my time at the Helsinki Festival, the Night of the Arts and at the Finnish Fireworks Championship. These events for their content act also as gentle transitional rites from the bright nights to the atmospheric autumn evenings.
Comments (4)