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The students’ Independence Day procession
06.12.2021 KLO 16:00 - 18:15
Welcome to celebrate the independence of Finland in the students’ Independence Day procession on 6th of December!
The student unions of the Capital Region are celebrating Independence Day together, just like last year. This year, students will join the procession for student wellbeing and mental health. The event is organised by the student unions of the Capital Region: HYY, AYY, ArtSU, SHS, Kadettitoverikunta, Metka, Helga and ASKen.
The procession is filled with festive atmosphere and light in the spirit of the forward-looking student movement. Put on your student’s cap and weather-appropriate outerwear. We recommend that flagbearers and heralds wear dark clothing, but the dress code for everyone else is ‘come as you are’!
The festivities begin with the placing of wreaths at Sankariristi at the Hietaniemi cemetery at 4 pm. The procession starts off from the Hietaniemi Chapel at the cemetery at around 5 pm, and its route is as follows: Hietaniemenkatu – Arkadiankatu – Pohjoisesplanadi – Presidential Palace – Mariankatu – Aleksanterinkatu – Senate Square. The President of the Republic greets the procession from the Palace balcony.
A public celebration is held at the Senate Square from around 5.55 pm to 6.15 pm. The programme includes choral singing and the speeches of Mayor and representatives of the student unions.
The first Independence Day torchlight procession was organised in 1951. Back then, too, the occasion began with placing wreaths at the soldiers’ graves, after which 2,000 students marched to the Senate Square to listen to speeches and choirs.
The event is open to everyone, and you can join the procession even if you do not belong to any student organisation. We warmly welcome you all!