The Presidential Palace in Helsinki on Independence Day, 6 December 2022. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Str / Lehtikuva
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Finland will celebrate its Independence Day this year with a renewed focus on education and public learning.
The official reception, hosted by President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb, will take place on Saturday 6 December at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. This year’s theme is “education and learning as the foundation of Finnish society”.
The guest list will include 1,700 invitees, with a significant share coming from the education sector.
Teachers, school leaders, and professionals across all levels of education have been invited. Half of all attendees will take part for the first time.
In addition to formal greetings and the traditional procession, a curated photo exhibition titled Koulu – Elämää varten (“School – For Life”) will be installed in the Gothic Hall. The exhibition will present the role of Finland’s comprehensive school system.
Guests will be offered regional dishes from Eastern Finland. The menu includes muikkukukko (vendace baked in rye crust), lanttukukko (rutabaga pie), lörtsys (sweet and savoury pastries), karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies), and Lemin särä (oven-roasted lamb with potatoes).
All food will be prepared using ingredients from small producers and local farms in South Savo, North Savo, South Karelia and North Karelia. Organic methods and regional traditions will be prioritised.
Musical performances will span multiple rooms and include both orchestral and contemporary music. The Guard’s Band and Guard’s Combo will perform in the State Hall. They will be joined by soloists Jenni Vartiainen and Klaara Koivunen, as well as opera singers from the Finnish National Opera.
Elsewhere in the Yellow Hall, Marzi Nyman and his ensemble will perform. On the third floor, Mirella and her group will appear in the Salon.
The broadcast of the reception will begin earlier than in previous years. Coverage will start at 18:15 local time, with doors opening at 18:00. The schedule change is aimed at improving the pace and atmosphere of the evening.
Veterans and members of the wartime generation will attend a separate daytime reception at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday 2 December. The event has been requested by veterans’ organisations to ensure a more comfortable experience. The daytime format allows time for conversation and meets the accessibility needs of elderly guests.
The 2025 reception will mark the second such event hosted by the current presidential couple. Last year’s theme was “together”.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
