Suits, bikes and Pietola

Hanneli Hämäläinen puts on a headpiece crafted from an old computer monitor. Next to her waits a giant pumpkin—another self-made headpiece.

Hanneli and her twin sister Henna are into cosplay, which involves dressing up as and embodying various characters. Cosplayers find their characters in fantasy or gaming worlds, comics, and TV series. Costumes are tweaked with dedication—there’s always something to add or improve.

The sisters moved from Juankoski to Uusikaupunki seven years ago, in the same autumn when the first Hehku Carnival was held in the city. Hanneli won the very first Hehku costume contest, and in the following years, the sisters took turns taking home the trophy.

At this year’s event, Henna and Hanneli served as costume contest judges for the third time.

-It’s been great to see how the costumes get more elaborate every year, says Henna.

Henna’s cosplay activities have decreased in recent years. Her free time is taken up by trade union activities, security work, and yard maintenance at the sisters’ shared detached house.

-There’s just not enough time for everything, she admits.

-I’m really looking forward to the Community Hub Wintteri. Maybe we could start a club there related to cosplay, she plans.

-Hanna will have to clone herself soon if she wants to keep up with everything, Hanneli chuckles.

The idea of a club is mutual, though. In a cosplay club, enthusiasts could design and create costumes together, participate in events, and organize their own meetups.

-We’ve built up enough skills that we could definitely help others with costume making, Hanneli reflects.

Both Henna and Hanneli are energetic and active in their daily lives. In seven years, these native Savonians have made Uusikaupunki their home.

-There’s something familiar about this city for us, even though Juankoski is much smaller than Uusikaupunki. This place is just the right size for us, kind of like a small rural town, says Hanneli Hämäläinen.

The sisters admit that the locals of Southwest Finland initially seemed reserved, but their own proactiveness has helped them settle in. Henna is interested in local politics, and Hanneli is involved in a local motorcycle club.

-Both of our parents were members of a motorcycle club, so the passion has been there since childhood. When I got my own bike a couple of years ago, I wanted to join the local club right away, says Hanneli. Now I serve as the club’s secretary and an active member.

Henna is the only family member without a motorcycle license.

-I rode on the back of Hanneli’s bike once, and it was absolutely terrifying.

The sisters’ shared home is located in the charming Pietola residential area, roughly midway between their workplaces. Henna has been working at Valmet Automotive from the start, while Hanneli switched to another factory environment over a year ago and now works at Yara as a security guard.

Henna commutes to work by electric bike, while Hanneli either rides her motorcycle or takes her electric scooter straight to Yara.

The best thing here is that everything is so close, within walking distance, says Hanneli.

-Yeah, and the town’s charm. And the history, Henna adds.

The sisters’ aunt even enthusiastically suggested that Henna, who had been showcasing the city’s history to a visitor, should become a city guide.

-I know more about Uusikaupunki’s history than my hometown’s,  she laughs. I’ve read every info board in the city. Next, I need to start exploring the museums.

A city tour led by a guide speaking broad Savonian dialect would undoubtedly be hilariously fun—especially since they say the responsibility shifts to the listener when a Savonian speaks.

-Yeah, that’s kind of how it goes—if you understood everything, you’ve probably got it wrong, Henna jokes.

The Hehku Carnival will take place in Uusikaupunki’s Rauhanpuisto on Friday, November 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. The best Halloween costumes of the evening will be awarded!