Rauma Honours Builders of Culture, Industry and Community – Awards Presented on Rauma Day, 17 April 2026
News
The City of Rauma presented its Meripojat Awards and Ruorimiehet Medals at the Rauma Day Market Square Celebration on Friday, 17 April 2026. The Meripojat Award was given to Aila Salo and Aarno Mannonen. The Ruorimiehet Medal was awarded to Pekka Wallenius, Lauri-Matti Parppei, and the Sparkling Night fashion show. The awards were presented by City Council Chair Otso Huuska.
The Meripojat Award is granted to a person or community that has made a significant contribution to the well-being of others or to society in Rauma. The Ruorimiehet Medal is awarded in recognition of particularly valuable work carried out for the benefit of the City of Rauma. These honours have been awarded in Rauma since 1982.
Meripojat Awards for Preserving Rauma’s Shipbuilding Heritage
Sculptor Aila Salo received the Meripojat Award for her long career, which has left a lasting mark on Rauma’s cityscape. Since the 1970s, Salo has created several well-known metal sculptures, including Ihminen ja työ (Human and Work)at the Rauma shipyard gate and Vaikeuksien kautta voittoon (Through Difficulties to Victory)at the Rauma water tower hill. Her background includes a childhood shaped by war, participation in Lotta Svärd activities, and later roles on the boards of the Hollming shipyard company. Salo was previously awarded the Ruorimiehet Medal in 1988, and in 2020 the Lotta Svärd Foundation named her Lotta of the Year.
Shipyard executive Aarno Mannonen was awarded the Meripojat Award in recognition of his long-standing work in Rauma’s shipbuilding industry. Mannonen has held key leadership positions in the sector, including serving as CEO of Hollming Oy and Finnyards Oy from 1987 to 1995. He has also worked in positions of trust within employer organisations in the metal industry and in several local companies. Mannonen received the Ruorimiehet Medal in 1997.
Ruorimiehet Medals for Promoters of Rauma’s Culture and Vitality
Long-time local politician and influential figure in Rauma’s cultural and sports life, Pekka Wallenius, was awarded the Ruorimiehet Medal. He has served as a member of the City Council since 2001 and has held numerous other positions of trust. During his career, Wallenius has been involved with organisations such as Rauman Lukko, the Länsi-Suomi newspaper and Radio Ramona. He has also written several non-fiction books on local sports and the history of Rauman Lukko.
The Ruorimiehet Medal was presented to Rauma-born film director, screenwriter and musician Lauri-Matti Parppei, whose work has brought international attention to Rauma. His debut film A Light That Never Goes Out (Jossain on valo joka ei sammu), set in Rauma, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and has been described as a strong and sincere declaration of love for the city. The film also achieved major success at the Jussi Awards, receiving ten nominations and winning seven awards.
The Sparkling Night fashion show was likewise honoured with the Ruorimiehet Medal. The event has grown into one of Finland’s largest fashion galas. Held annually in Rauma, Sparkling Night will be organised for the 20th time this year. During the event, businesses located in Old Rauma showcase the season’s new products and trends. Sparkling Night highlights local expertise, increases the visibility of local businesses and strengthens Rauma’s vitality nationwide.
