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They are crazy, they say. No one knows exactly where the idea of Pori Madness comes from or what it really means, but it is certain that Pori and its people stand out from the rest. When having a holiday in Finland, stop by this mysterious city along the west coast, from which everyone seems to have their opinions and stories.
Pori is Finland's tenth largest city and the largest municipality in Satakunta with a population of about 84,000. Like many other coastal towns in Finland, Pori is quite old as it was founded in 1558. Nicknamed “the bear city” after the bear on the city’s coat of arms, Pori bears (the last bear, we promise!) several sights and phenomena known all over Finland.
The most famous cultural gathering takes place annually in the beautiful park area of Kirjurinluoto, where the Pori Jazz event is held. It is one of the largest jazz music festivals in Europe that dates to 1966. Since then, hundreds of world-class star artists have taken the stage there from Miles Davis to Kanye West.
Outside the Pori Jazz festival, Kirjurinluoto serves as a prime hang-out spot for the whole city. The park area includes a beach, a café, walking paths, mini golf, and other leisure facilities. Pelle Hermann’s Park with its pirate ship is a guaranteed hit with the little ones in the family!
If sunbathing and swimming is the plan, but the beach of Kirjurinluoto feels too small, it’s time to head to Yyteri Beach. It is one of the largest beaches in the Nordics and certainly a unique sight along these latitudes. There is plenty of room for everyone on the six-kilometre sandy beach, even on the hottest summer days. In addition to traditional beach activities, the area offers sports such as golfing, horse riding and frisbee golf.
Pori is also known as a particularly passionate sports city. In 1856, the oldest sports club in Finland was founded here, the still active sailing club called Segelföreningen i Björneborg. The variety in sports is extensive. For example, the city has clubs for kendo and cheerleading in addition to clubs more focused in Finland’s traditional sports. In particular, the ice hockey club Ässät is almost a religious thing for many people in Pori. Locals tend to say you don't have to check the league table to know how Ässät is doing – just step out the door and observe the faces and appearance of people walking on the street.
