Independence Day observed amidst festivity, joy

The nation celebrated 108th Independence Day of Finland on Saturday 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 in the evening 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 attended the Independence Day reception party.

Earlier on the day, the Finnish Defence Forces held the Independence Day National Parade in Kouvola with the theme “We defend Finland together”.

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

About 700 people joined the nationalist 612 torchlight procession while an estimated number of 2000 to 3000 people took part in the anti-extremists gathering in Helsinki, police said in a press release late Saturday night.

Police also arrested few of the demonstrators from both the rallies.