Independence Day observed amidst festivity, joy

The nation celebrated 107th Independence Day of Finland on Friday amidst festivity and joy and showing due respect to the war veterans almost peacefully, excepting a few sporadic incidents of demonstrations.

The main celebration took place at the presidential palace in the traditional way where President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb accorded reception to hundreds of guests including senior citizens, professionals, cultural activists, diplomats and people from different strata of the society.

About 1,700 people from all over the Finland were invited to attend the Independence Day reception party.

Earlier on the day, the Finnish Defence Forces held the Independence Day National Parade in Lappeenranta with the theme “National defence from generation to generation.”

Meanwhile, different groups including extremist far-right 612 and anti-extremists held separate demonstrations in the capital during the celebration.

Police arrested a total of 68 people from different areas during the demonstrations, said Helsinki police in a press release late Friday night.