Finnish Independence Day

December 6 · Level 7 · #824 of 2238

Finnish Independence Day

Finnish Independence Day marks the country's declaration of independence on 6 December 1917. It is Finland's main national holiday, and it is observed with quiet dignity rather than fanfare.

How it is celebrated: people put two candles in their windows, often blue and white, students march with torches, and in the evening much of the country watches the presidential reception on television. The war film The Unknown Soldier is a traditional part of the day's TV schedule.

The Finnish parliament declared independence on 6 December 1917, and Soviet Russia recognised it before the end of that same month.

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