Palosaari playfully declared itself independent on 3 June, and the event is celebrated with a three-day neighbourhood carnival. The idea of declaring independence and holding a carnival celebration originated in the New Locality project, coordinated by the Finnish Settlement Movement. The project seeks to strengthen community spirit based on local circumstances and is active in five different localities in Finland. In Palosaari, the project established the Järjestöfoorumi (Organisations’ Forum), a cooperative body for local associations and actors. The Forum welcomed the carnival idea with enthusiasm and combined forces to bring it to life.
Of course, an independent state must have its own flag and head of state. Pupils of Palosaari School were invited to design flag proposals, and residents were asked to suggest suitable mayoral candidates for Palosaari. A public vote was organised during May. People could cast their vote for the flag at Palosaari Library, with a total of 81 votes recorded. The winning design, created by Ronja, a Year 3 pupil, featured a beautiful blue sky and seagulls.
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u/Tornisteri Finland (1918) 1d ago
https://vaasaennenjanyt.blogspot.com/2014/06/