Nation celebrates Independence Day today

The nation will celebrate the Independence Day on Monday in an exceptional manner amid the increasing trend of coronavirus outbreak.

The celebrations of the day will be taken place this year remotely like the previous year due to the abnormal situation.

The traditional Independence Day reception party at the Presidential Palace hosted by President Sauli Niinistö and first lady Jenni Haukio has been cancelled again.

Instead of the traditional reception attended by invited guests, the President invited all Finns to celebrate Independence Day remotely.

The Finnish Defence Forces cancelled the Independence Day Parade and its side events scheduled to be held in Lahti on 6 December due to the current coronavirus pandemic situation and in adherence to the restrictions and guidelines in effect in the area.

National broadcaster Yle and other private media will broadcast and publish special programmes marking the day.

Yle television viewers will enjoy presentations of Finnish performing art as well as compilations of scenes from different parts of Finland and follow how Finns celebrate Independence Day in different ways.

The country achieved liberation in 1917 from Imperial Russia.

Today is a public holiday.