Finland Events and Festivals

12/06/2009 - 12/06/2009Finnish Independence Day

Finland gained independence from Russia on 6 December 1917 when the Finnish Declaration of Independence was signed changing its status from an autonomous Russian Grand Duchy to an independent sovereign nation state. Independence Day is a national holiday and is marked by a series of celebrations which take place throughout the country and particularly in the bigger towns and cities. Traditionally, events used to be quite a sombre affair when candles would be lit and placed in windows to symbolise the light of freedom. Nowadays celebrations are a bit more lively with parades, music concerts, festivals and street parties.