Society - Page 11 of 23 - thisisFINLAND

Helsinki Pride Parade – a party for all

On the last Saturday of June Helsinki sparkles with colours. For over ten years, that’s when people have gathered to march together at the Pride Parade to celebrate equality and human rights. (See our slideshow of the parade.)

Arts & culture Theater

Outdoor drama forms a vital part of Finnish summer

Finns are always determined to savour every second of the intense short summer – and that extends to a fondness for the summer theatre.

Life & society Equality

Spreading the word about equality, with the Finnish pronoun “hän”

Equality forms a core value for Finland and its people, and this may have something to do, in part, with the Finnish language. It covers both “he” and “she” with a single gender-neutral pronoun: “hän.”

Life & society Traditions

Learning Finnish graduation hat tricks

The Finnish high school graduation cap is more than just a white hat with a narrow black visor, and its use isn’t limited to graduation ceremonies. The subtleties and peculiarities of this particular headwear need some explanation.

Life & society Society

Historic eastern Finnish monastery still offers solitude and creative energy

Travellers and believers seek out Valamo Monastery in eastern Finland for prayer, solitude and creative inspiration. More than 110,000 people visit each year.

Life & society Politics

Coffee, machines and an array of parties go into Finland’s parliamentary election

On April 14, 2019, Finland holds its parliamentary election, with about a dozen parties that have a realistic chance of winning seats. Coffee and interactive online resources (often referred to as “election machines”) may play a part.

Life & society Sports

For Finland and China, hockey is a contact sport

On a midwinter afternoon in Finland, a Chinese ice hockey squad from Beijing, boys ages 14 to 15, bounded off the team bus and through shin-deep snow on their way to play their contemporaries from Helsinki.

Life & society Society

From good to “goodest”: Finland tops the Good Country Index

Finland is number one in the newest Good Country Index, which seeks to measure “what each country on earth contributes to the good of humanity.” We talk to the index’s creator, Simon Anholt, about what it means to be “goodest.”