Helsinki’s herring market closed due to severe weather conditions

Strong winds and rain have battered the traditional herring market at Helsinki’s Market Square today, leading to its closure slightly before 3 PM. Organizers cited concerns for safety due to the forecasted weather conditions. Wind gusts in Helsinki are expected to exceed 20 meters per second throughout the day.

Many fishermen arrived at the event with their boats, but the increasing wave activity posed challenges for them. In response, safety measures are being implemented to allow for the market to reopen tomorrow, according to Anna Mäkelä, communications manager for the Helsinki Event Foundation.

A large tugboat was brought in to secure the fishing boats from the rough seas near the Kolera Basin. Additionally, weights were added to the sales tents to ensure their stability. “We had to make this decision to ensure the safety of both the public and the vendors,” stated Stuba Nikula, CEO of the Helsinki Event Foundation, in a press release.

If weather conditions permit, the market is expected to resume operations tomorrow. The herring market is scheduled to run until Saturday, October 12.