Organisers of the Helsinki Christmas Market reviewed safety measures on Saturday in light of an attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.
German police suspect a driver intentionally drove into a crowd at the Magdeburg market on Friday evening, leaving at least five people dead and over 200 injured, nearly 40 of them seriously.
Stuba Nikula, CEO of the Helsinki Events Foundation, confirmed that a safety inspection was conducted on Saturday morning at the market on Senate Square to ensure no security risks were present.
"We did not feel it necessary to implement any significant additional measures that would need to be communicated to the public,” said Nikula.
Vehicle barriers and city layout
Reports by the BBC highlighted that Magdeburg’s market was partially protected by concrete barriers. However, gaps between these barriers allowed the vehicle to enter.
In Helsinki, the situation is notably different. Large, heavy planters surround Senate Square, some weighing over a tonne, effectively blocking vehicular access.
In addition, lamp posts and street paving are positioned in a way that prevents vehicles from accelerating onto the square, according to Nikula.
“The street design has, perhaps unintentionally, made the area safer in this regard,” he explained.
Ahead of the market’s opening, organisers also extended barriers across a wider area to enhance safety.
Nikula noted that since 2016, similar incidents, such as the tragic attack at Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz Christmas market, have led to increased precautions at events in Helsinki.
Petty crime, no major incidents
To date, the Helsinki Christmas Market has only faced minor issues, mainly pickpocketing. Organisers responded by requesting a more visible police presence.
“It seems that police now make a habit of stopping by the market when they aren’t busy elsewhere. Their presence immediately reduced pickpocketing,” Nikula said.
This year’s market has been a resounding success, breaking attendance records and serving over 50,000 bowls of porridge.
The Helsinki Christmas Market ends on Sunday, closing at 7pm.
