I hadn’t expected to join a protest on holiday, but sometimes you just go with the flow!
We were in the Åland Islands, an autonomous and demilitarised region of Finland. Whilst looking for something to do I spotted an advert for a tour of the Parliament building, which I thought would be interesting, given the unique status of the islands. The tour was definitely ‘interesting’ but for the wrong reasons. Fortunately our morning was saved when the speaker of the house, Jörgen Pettersson, walked by and introduced himself.
Jörgen spoke English fluently and gave us a good insight into some aspects of island life. He mentioned that the Åland Islands have taken in around 300 Ukrainians as a result of the war. And that there was a singing protest to support Ukraine every afternoon at 5pm outside the Russian consulate.
In case you’re wondering, the Russian diplomatic presence is the result of a treaty signed in 1940 after the Winter War. The Soviet Union (as was) had the right to maintain an office in Åland to monitor Finland’s treaty obligation to keep Åland demilitarized. This passed to Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Prior to the 2022 invasion the consul’s Facebook page shows involvement in island life, promoting litter picking and meeting the Rotary club president. But the more recent updates reflect his ostracism. In some ways I felt sorry for the man, although obviously not who he represents. Anyway, I digress.
We decided to go along and show our support, so arrived about 5 minutes before the demonstration started. We joined a small group of visitors and locals, many of whom looked like they were mid-dog walk, and stood under the trees opposite the consulate. The leader was giving out song sheets but as we don’t speak Swedish we left these. With my lack of language skills, I dread to think what I’d end up singing.
A few more locals arrived with flags and sunflower banners and then at precisely 5pm, the singing started. I wasn’t sure what to expect but the anti-war sentiments were sung to the tune of ‘Ode to Joy’. This was interspersed with ‘Stop the war’ chants, which we could join in with.
There was no repeat of an earlier incident that happened in February. The protest was larger than usual as it was the anniversary of the day Russia invaded Ukraine. The Russian consul decided to mow his lawn to coincide with the protest. Considering that the average temperature in Åland in February is 0C, and it’s definitely not growing season, this was an unusual response!
Our own gathering was over after a few more chants and flag waving. The crowd dispersed peacefully, to continue walking their dogs, return to their hotels or simply head home.
Challenge completed
Challenge completed. Pop over to read the full list of my 60 things to do before I’m 60.