A unique celebration of the connection with nature
Every year, the forest of HaliPuu in Levi is transformed into the scene of an extraordinary event: the TreeHugging World Championships 2024. This competition, which has established itself as an emblem of ecological culture, seeks to foster the relationship between beings humans and trees, inviting everyone to live an intimate experience with nature.
Championship modalities: a challenge of skill and creativity
With three distinctive categories, the championship challenges participants to demonstrate their hugging skills. The first test, ‘Speed Hugging’, consists of hugging the maximum amount of trees in one minute, with a minimum time of five seconds for each tree. This modality not only assesses speed, but also the ability to connect with nature in an ephemeral way.
Quality over quantity: the ‘Dedication’ test
In the second category, called ‘Dedication’, the contestants select a particular tree and must make their most meaningful hug within one minute. Here, the emotional connection is key, as the judges assess the depth of the bond each participant establishes with the tree.
Creativity in every hug: the ‘Freestyle’ category
Finally, the last test, ‘Freestyle’, allows participants to express their originality. The judges are looking for the most creative embrace, where art and expressiveness play a fundamental role. Contestants are encouraged to show their passion for nature through their actions.
An award that goes beyond recognition
The title of world champion not only entails glory, but also comes with a spectacular prize: a week’s stay for two in Levi, including a private trip to the HaliPuu forest and a unique harvesting experience of food in arctic nature.
Global Access: Hugging trees from anywhere
For those who cannot attend physically, the organizers have created an online version of the championship. Participants can take a photo with their favorite tree and share it on social media using the hashtags #TreeHugging2023 and #HaliPuu. This inclusivity allows the passion for nature to reach corners of the world.
With an increasingly popular edition, the TreeHugging World Championships continues to grow, uniting people from various cultures through their appreciation for trees. The connection with nature is reaffirmed as a universal experience that we can all share.
