Embassy closed on June 19th, 22nd and 25th

The Embassy of Finland in Zagreb is closed in June during the following holidays:

-Finnish midsummer´s eve on Friday 19th of June 2015.

-Croatian day for Antifascist Struggle on Monday 22th of June 2015

-Croatian Statehood day on Thursday 25th of June 2015

 Finnish midsummer traditions

Midsummer is traditionally one of the most important holidays in Finland. In the Nordic countries the Midsummer has been celebrated for centuries even before Christianity came and the festivities were dedicated to lightness and summer.  Midsummer is the lightest day of the year when the sun remains above the horizon the entire night in northern Finland.
Nowadays, Finns commonly retreat to their cottages in the countryside to celebrate Midsummer with family and friends. Traditionally, saunas with birch whisk and swimming in the lake are part of Midsummer festivities that is followed by the midsummer´s dance and party. Bonfires are also an important part of this tradition. In the old times people believed that, during this lightest part of the year, evil spirits were flying in the air and building bonfires was the best way to keep them away.  There are also several old beliefs and chants for Midsummer night. For example, girls gather seven different flowers in silence and place them under their pillow and through dreams; they will see their future husband.  Midsummer symbols are young birch trees and white midsummer roses.

Happy midsummer for everyone!