Celebrating December 6th

Finns all over the world commemorate Finland's 88 years of independence this December. The Finnish Embassy in Tallinn is closed for the national holiday.

Independence day is the most noticeable of the national holidays in Finland. There are parades, such as the university students' torch parade, medals are awarded, and festive functions are held.

During the early decades of independence, this day was a very solemn occasion marked by patriotic speeches and special Church services.

From the 1970s onwards Independence day celebrations have taken on livelier forms, with shops decorating their windows in the blue and white of the Finnish flag, and bakeries producing cakes with blue and white icing.

Today, rock stars and entertainers have been accepted as worthy interpreters of Finnish patriotism.

There is one Independence Day tradition which rises above all others in visibility and public interest: the Independence Day Reception in the Presidential Palace, hosted by the President of Finland.

Every year, the palace will be decorated with blue-and-white flowers, and nearly two thousand carefully selected people are invited to celebrate the independence with the president.