Aarhus Municipality has made the decision to rename Eskimovej, a street in northern Aarhus, to Silavej. The name change is set to take effect on March 2, as part of an effort to honor Greenlandic culture and the connection between humanity and nature. The name 'Sila' is derived from a Greenlandic term that symbolizes this relationship. The change has received backing from the Greenlandic House and the Greenlandic student association Avalak, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in local naming conventions.

However, the renaming process has already faced an unexpected challenge. Unknown individuals have prematurely removed the original street sign for Eskimovej, which has created a stir in the community. Aarhus Municipality has confirmed that they did not authorize the removal of the sign, indicating a possible act of theft or vandalism. This incident raises questions about public sentiment regarding the name change and the heritage represented by the original street name.

The incident highlights the intersection of local governance, cultural sensitivity, and community identity, as public spaces frequently serve as reflections of historical narratives and contemporary values. The name change aims not only to respect and recognize Greenlandic culture but also to foster a dialogue on the significance of place names and their implications in a multicultural society. As the municipality prepares for the formal transition on March 2, the response from the local community remains to be seen, especially in light of this unexpected sign theft.