Turku starts Xmas with Declaration of Peace

The Declaration of Peace, which traditionally sets off Christmas, was read on Sunday to a gathering in the coastal City of Turku.

The proclamation was read by Turku Municipality Protocol Chief Mika Akkanen, reported the local media.

About 15,000 people gathered to listen to the declaration which is traditionally made from a balcony of the Brinkkala Building.

According to the Turku Municipality, the tradition dates back to the 13th century and has continued since almost uninterrupted.

The declaration has been broadcast on the radio since 1935 and telecast by TV since 1983. People can also read the declaration online.