Pride event and far-right Blue-Black Movement gathering set for same day in Hamina

A Pride celebration and a regional event organized by the far-right Blue-Black Movement will take place simultaneously in Hamina this Saturday, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Hamina Pride chair Wilma Heino confirmed the group was aware of the Blue-Black Movement’s planned gathering and had notified local police. The far-right organization, which describes itself as a nationalist party outside the traditional left-right spectrum, has faced scrutiny after its May Day march in Tampere turned violent when participants attacked a counter-protester carrying a banner.

The Blue-Black Movement’s Southeast Finland district event begins at 10:00 with combat sports, followed by a museum tour and informal evening activities, according to its website. The location was not disclosed publicly, with registration handled via email.

Hamina Pride’s festival in Kesäpuisto Park starts at 12:00, featuring live music, poetry readings, and film screenings at Kino Hamina. All events are free to attend.

Heino called the scheduling overlap “difficult to consider a coincidence” but expressed hope both groups could proceed without conflict. Yle reported it had not reached Blue-Black Movement representatives for comment.