Independence Day in Finland

About Independence Day in Finland

In Finland, Independence Day is a nationwide public holiday and a national day of remembrance as much as a celebration. It marks the country’s independence from Russia and is observed across the country with a restrained tone compared with many festive holidays. The day is closely associated with reflection on Finland’s statehood, wartime history and national symbols, and it is also a day when many people follow public ceremonial events and watch televised coverage from the presidential residence.

History

Finland declared independence from Russia on 6 December 1917. The date became the country’s Independence Day and has been observed annually since then as the central national anniversary of Finnish statehood.

Traditions

A well-known custom on Independence Day is lighting two candles in windows in the evening, a practice that is widely associated with the day in Finland. Many homes also display the blue-and-white national colors in a subdued, ceremonial way rather than through street festival decorations.

How Independence Day is celebrated in Finland

The day is generally marked more quietly than many public holidays in Finland. People often attend or watch official ceremonies, visit memorials, spend time with family, and follow the evening reception at the Presidential Palace on television, which is a familiar part of the day’s coverage.

Interesting facts

Independence Day falls in early winter, so its observance often takes place in dark conditions that suit the candle-lighting custom. The Finnish national colors, blue and white, are commonly associated with the day’s visual symbolism.

Dates in published calendars

Import sources

• Generic ICS feed

An import is not an independent verification.

More public holidays in Finland

• New Year's Day
• Epiphany
• Good Friday
• Second Easter Day
• Vappu
• Ascension Day