Independence Day (Finland)

Finland’s Independence Day is a national public holiday, and a flag day. It is held on 6 December to celebrate Finland’s declaration of independence from Russia in 1917. The movement for Finland’s independence started after the revolutions in Russia, caused by disturbances inside Russia.

About Independence Day (Finland) in brief

Summary Independence Day (Finland)Finland’s Independence Day is a national public holiday, and a flag day, held on 6 December to celebrate Finland’s declaration of independence from Russia in 1917. The movement for Finland’s independence started after the revolutions in Russia, caused by disturbances inside Russia from hardships connected to the First World War. Independence Day festivities usually commence with the raising of the Finnish flag on Tähtitorninmäki in Helsinki. A religious service is held at Helsinki Cathedral, and official visits are made to the war memorials of World War II.

The traditional torch cavalcade by students has been held annually since 1951. In the evening, the Presidential Independence Day reception is held for approximately 2000 invited guests at the Presidential Palace. YLE, Finland’s national public service broadcaster, broadcasts the movie adaptation of Tuntematon Sotilas, based on Väinö Linna’s iconic novel. The 90th anniversary of Finland’s Declaration of Independence was selected for a high-value coin, the €5.5 ($7.5) coin, minted in 2007.