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In Autumn we had a grand countdown from 100 days till the Penkis festivities. Every year we celebrate the ABIs for officially completing school, and now the studying for the marticular exams begins.
In the Penkis celebration at Mattliden, ABIs wear white overalls with unique hand-painted or drawn designs that represent who they are and what they like, for example, The Spotify logo, funny phrases, or even my little pony characters. And, of course, the school's name is proudly displayed as well on the colorful overall. In other schools, the third-years wear different kinds of animal or character costumes instead of white overalls.
Picture from the winner of This year's ABI
Before the trucks were set off to tour Espoo there was a ABI gala, which is where people in the third year nominate each other in different categories:
★ Wanna be ABI
★ Fashionista
★ Party animal
★ Teacher pet
★ This years married couple
★ This year pick me
2024 ABI slogan: ABI 24 VILKEN JÄVLA YRA / ABI 24 POUR ME SOME MORE
After the abi gala/spex, the third years headed towards the trucks that were beautifully decorated with uniquely printed sheets. Much candy was thrown and happily received by the public. Many people wait for the annual penkis celebration when they can fill their purses with candy and enjoy the atmosphere.
A little about where the celebration began
The origin of Penkis dates back to the same period as the beginning of the matriculation exams. In 1852, gaining admission to the university necessitated passing a student's exam, which tested proficiency in high school subjects. These exams were held mostly at the University of Helsinki, as Finland had no other universities back then. Initially, the bench cushion festivity (Penkis) denoted a gathering or celebration at a restaurant before the student exam, marking the end of the academic preparations. The term penkis, derived from the Finnish penkinpainajaiset, emerged in the early 20th century, although the tradition commenced in the 19th century. The more formal Finnish Swedish name is Penkis.
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