The fence will be erected on Saturday 17 May starting from the Eurovision Song Contest finals and taken down either on Friday 23 May, if Finland does not advance to the Ice Hockey World Championships final, or on Monday 26 May, at the latest, if Finland advances to the final.
The temporary protection will only be employed for the duration of any victory celebrations. The City does not intend to use the protection during May Day celebrations.
“May is a time for major celebrations in sports and entertainment: Finland will shine in the Eurovision Song Contest, and the Ice Hockey World Championships are sure to serve up some nail-biting sports moments. We believe in Finland’s chances of victory! We will be preparing for the festivities by protecting Havis Amanda for the duration of the events,” says Head of the Culture and Leisure Division Juha Ahonen from the City of Helsinki.
Although the sculpture has recently been renovated, it still cannot withstand climbing. That is why the protective fence is seen as a necessary tool in safeguarding the iconic work of art.
“Manta may continue to be the centre of celebrations going forward – as long as the festivities are held around the sculpture, and not on it or in the fountain. We wish all the success to Finnish representatives in the Eurovision Song Contest and on the ice hockey rinks!” Ahonen says.
This year, the celebration shifts from the Market Square to Töölönlahti on 16th–17th May, where the SAUNAVISION sauna village will make its debut. The event combines Finnish sauna culture with Eurovision festivities. It is open to everyone and free of charge.