Ykspihlaja (Swedish: Yxpila), an old working-class dwelling area, is a district of Kokkola municipality in Finland. There is eg. Port of Kokkola, which is one of the largests harbours in Scandinavia. Ykspihlaja harbour has been active since 1823, it has also been used during winters as early as 1700.Nowadays Ykspihlaja is an one-family house area. Formerly there was "Pihlajan jengi" (Gang of Pihlaja), which had a reputation of its own. Ykspihlaja's main street is called Satamakatu. Once there were lots of bars, shops and stores. Later on as the freighting has quicken, the services on Satamakatu has decreased.The legendary bar called Marocco was on the corner of the streets Satamakatu and Sahakatu during 1950-1993.
Ykspihlajan Reima is a local sports group, established in 1921. Variety of events has always been versatile, depending on the amount of people's interest.
Ykspihlajan Työväen Näyttämö is one of the most active amateur theatres in Finland. Ykspihlajan Työväen Näyttämö's stage is in Ykspihlajan Työväentalo (Ykspihlaja people's hall), which has been working eg. war hospital.
During 1930-40 there was active Women's Balalaika Orchestra.
To be continued......
