Penkkarit

Penkkarit, originally penkinpainajaiset (approximate translation "benchpressing") is a tradition of Finnish upper secondary schools, where the students celebrate the end of school before the preparation period of the matriculation exams. An important part of the celebration is driving around town and visiting other schools on lorries with posters on the sides, dressed in costumes and throwing candy.

Today was the day for Jussi. It's a once in a lifetime event as a participant, and as it was cancelled due to Covid restrictions on Lauri's turn, it was also our only time as parents. Therefore we drove to the school before the lorries left and then on to Jussi's primary school to see his lorry arriving there. The pupils and teachers were eagerly waiting and were rewarded with some candy rain. It was nice to meet Jussi's former teachers before the arrival.

The main blip is from the primary school. In the extras you can see the posters and some of the costumes. Jussi in the last extra with his bucket of candy (photo by Triinu).

It was -28°C in the morning, but luckily several degrees warmer by the time they started out. Still a very chilly experience for them, but a lot of fun. -18°C later at home, but getting colder again in the evening.

Backblipped yesterday earlier.