| The
locality of Central Ostrobothnia University
of Applied Sciences is that of four cities,
namely bilingual Kokkola and Pietarsaari and
the river cities of Ylivieska and Haapajärvi.
The culture in this region is a rich blend
of dynamic urban rhythms with a diverse natural
environment.
One of the region’s important figures
is undoubtedly Anders Chydenius, historically
remembered as one of the most important
political minds of Sweden-Finland lived
in the region and had a great influence
on the locale. Remembered as the “Adam
Smith of the North” for his pioneering
work on freedom of trade and freedom of
speech, Chydenius was also a clergyman who
furthered the concept of freedom in religion.
The spirit of humanism and development Chydenius
pioneered continues to flourish and enhance
Ostrobothnia to this very day.
Most assuredly, the sauna is an essential
component in a Finn’s cultural make-up.
With a long history, the sauna in Finland
continues to be a part of everyday life
and is considered as an important place
to clean oneself, socialize with others,
relax and rejuvenate. Taking a sauna during
wintertime is also enjoyable when interspersed
with quick dips in frozen lakes via a hole
cut in the ice or rolling about in the snow.
Asides from that, everyone looks forward
to the end of the summer season when the
big party called the Venetian Night festival
takes place in Kokkola. Featuring live performances
by famous artists, floating candles on the
sea and fireworks at midnight, it is a festival
that goes back hundreds of years in tradition
and culture. Pietarsaari also celebrates
the end of its summer season with a festival
featuring much merrymaking and parties that
go on late into the summer night. |
