Winter Happening

Wet slush has been raining non-stop for the second day, but weaker today.
Today it's Shrove Sunday, when the shrovetide starts culminating to Shrove Tuesday.

This time is "Laskiainen" in Finnish. It's a celebration of Balto-Finnic origins, which includes both pagan and ecclesiastic traditions, and is often described as a "mid-winter sliding festival". Many of Finland's customs to  celebrate the day or time probably originate from the old work party. Today, traditions are fun like downhill and ice sledding, where we say goodbye to the darkest winter and start waiting for spring. In addition to pea soup, the traditional dishes of "Laskiainen" include bun filled with whipped cream and/or almond paste or jam.

Near us there is the place where the happening for today for all ages has been organized since 1958. I have blipped the place before, on Feb 15th and Jun 13th. So the area is culturally and historically valuable place. The happening is at least nowadays organized in the park on the foot of the hill, called something like 'Happiness Park' in English. Those wanting to go sliding go up to the hill.

We have been there in this happening few times during years. The event was now organized after two years break during the Pandemic. There is always horse riding, the fire truck for getting to know it, grilled sausage to buy and choral singing. The weather was the best for the event, but not to move with the moped, because snow was quite slushy. But we decided to try to get there and we did:)

What a a refreshing experience with most beautiful scene! Once again the perseverance was rewarded <3