Finnish Independence Day, celebrated on December 6th, is a day of reflection and celebration, honoring Finland’s journey to independence and the sacrifices made to preserve it. Let’s explore how Finns celebrate this special day and discover five fascinating facts about it.
Cover photo: Joakim Honkasalo on Unsplash
Finnish Independence Day, observed on December 6th, is a time for both reflection and celebration, commemorating Finland’s path to sovereignty and the sacrifices made to achieve it. As a national holiday, it is marked by the raising of the Finnish flag and widespread displays of the iconic blue-and-white colors throughout the country. Discover five key facts about this important day.
Finland declared independence from Russia on December 6, 1917. Before that, Finland had been an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire since 1809. Prior to Russian rule, Finland was part of Sweden for nearly 700 years, from the 12th century to 1809. During Sweden’s rule and much of the Russian era, Swedish was the official administrative language, which is why today Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish.
Every year on December 6th, Finns come together to celebrate their independence with unity and pride. The day became a paid public holiday in 1929 and was officially added to the calendar as a flag-raising day in 1934.
Traditional celebrations include the Presidential Independence Day Reception (Linnan juhlat), a televised gala featuring war veterans, public figures, and the country’s leaders. Many Finns light blue-and-white candles in their windows as a sign of unity and remembrance. Other traditions include the Defense Forces’ parade, torchlight processions by university students, and patriotic songs such as Finlandia by Jean Sibelius and Maamme-laulu (Our Land). At home, families gather to watch classic films like Tuntematon sotilas (The Unknown Soldier) and enjoy good food and drinks.
Finland’s independence was not easily maintained. During the Winter War (Talvisota) from November 30, 1939, to March 13, 1940, Finland fought valiantly against the Soviet Union to protect its sovereignty. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Finland’s resilience became a defining moment in its history.
For Finns, Independence Day is more than a public holiday—it is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and to celebrate the strength and resilience of their nation. It also marks the beginning of the Christmas season, as many people decorate their homes and gather with loved ones.
Finnish Independence Day beautifully blends solemnity with celebration, reflecting the country’s enduring pride in its history and achievements.
