The hard -experienced Manta statue is protected by a six -meter structure that even the most enthusiastic celebrators do not pass
Protection refers to a steel and wooden frame surrounded by a statue. There are no need for guards for this year’s possible market celebration.
This month, Finns may have several reasons to say \”at the marketplace\”. The finals of both Eurovision and Ice Hockey Men’s World Championships are known.
The flying sentence is familiar especially to the Havis Amanda statue on the edge of the Market Square.
The marketplace has known to have tested the tolerance of a bronze sculpture erected in 1908 as the celebrators have climbed on it in their victory ends.
The city of Helsinki is already preparing for the party in advance. For the first time, Havis Amanda is protected by a new, sustainable design protection.
The protective frame of almost six meters high consists of a steel frame, birch plywood plates and pictures of the Havis Amanda statue printed in plywood.
It completely covers the view into the mantes.
Three reasons to meet at the marketplace
Especially Kaj with his song * Bara Bada Bastu * is one of the pre -favorites to win.
In addition, the hockey men’s World Championships will begin this Friday, May 9th.
If the Lions succeed, the finals will be reached and even wins gold, there would be a need for the marketplace on Sunday, May 25th.
The protection remains for both races
-We trust Vikman and Kaj so much that we decided to install the protection in the front, Ahonen says.
According to Ahonen, the protection will remain in front of the statue after the Eurovision Song Contest until at least 23 May.
If the lions progress to the medal games, the statue will not be dismantled until May 26.
No guards are needed
The protection was already developed in 2023, but it will only be seen in real action now, as there have been no extensive spontaneous markets since then.
The erection and demolition of protection costs around € 20,000.
In some years, the city has tried the protection of Manta with the help of guards. Now they are not needed.
– We believe that the protection will take a bigger celebration.
The pre -current version was a gray metal frame without joy to the eye. According to Ahonen, the more elegant look of new protection is essential.
– I hope that even the tougher celebrators can appreciate the protection as a kind of own \”work of art\” and leave it alone.
Support for both a party and an intact statue
Ahonen supports both the use of protection and the market. If the protection proves to be successful, it can continue to be used in similar situations.
– It’s great if we, as a nation, had many different moments where the market can celebrate.
If you meet at the market this month, Ahonen may pop in the spot – albeit farther from Havis Amanda.
*Juta edited 7.5.2025 at 9:08 pm: Eurovision finals are on Saturday, not on Sunday, as read earlier.*