Preparations for Finland’s Independence Day celebrations are underway

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 74/2025
4 November 2025 

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb will mark Independence Day with traditional ceremonies.

The celebrations will begin on Tuesday 2 December 2025. The presidential couple has invited veterans of our wars, members of the Lotta Svärd organization and other representatives of the war generations as guests of honour to a daytime reception at the Presidential Palace. This arrangement has been made in accordance with the wishes expressed by veterans, their families and those representing them. Taking into account the advanced age and health conditions of the guests of honour, it allows more guests to attend and provides space for interaction and conversation in a calm setting. The reception will be attended by representatives of Finland’s state leadership. In addition to the Guards Band, the musical program for the reception will feature the Opera Singers of the Finnish National Opera and Matteus Pentti, a 15-year-old singer accompanied by pianist Ilona Vähäsöyrinki.

The traditional Independence Day reception will be held on Saturday 6 December 2025 at the Presidential Palace. The reception will highlight the role of education and learning as cornerstones of Finnish society. Guests include professionals from the education sector, such as distinguished teachers from various levels of education. The President and his spouse have also extended invitations to individuals they have met during their visits around the country. This year, around 1,700 guests from different parts of Finland will attend the reception. Half of the guests are invited for the first time.

On Independence Day, the Hall of State will be filled with music performed by the Guards Band and the Guards Combo, with Jenni Vartiainen and Klaara Koivunen as their vocalists. During the evening, guests in the Hall of State will also enjoy performances by the Opera Singers of the Finnish National Opera. On the second floor, in the Yellow Room, Marzi Nyman and his friends will provide musical entertainment, whereas the stage in the Salon on the third floor will be hosted by singer Mirella with her band.

This year, the cocktail buffet will offer guests an authentic taste of Finnish culinary heritage, with a special focus on Eastern Finland and the regions of South Savo, North Savo, South Karelia and North Karelia. Among the delicacies served will be muikkukukko and lanttukukko, savory rye-crust bread loaves filled with vendace or rutabaga, as well as omena- and lihalörtsy, traditional turnovers with apple and minced meat fillings, respectively. The menu also includes Lemin särä, a slow-roasted lamb and potato dish, and karjalanpiirakka, the iconic Karelian pies with rye crust and rice filling. The menu highlights natural ingredients, regional culinary traditions, and products from small and local producers.

In line with the theme of the reception, the Gothic Hall will feature a photo exhibition entitled School – For life, curated by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The exhibition showcases the importance of comprehensive schooling as a foundation of the life and future of Finnish people.

This time, the reception will begin half an hour earlier than before. The purpose of this change is to increase the comfort of the guests and allow the celebration to proceed at a more leisurely pace. The mailing of invitations to the reception has begun, and guests are expected to receive them in the coming weeks.

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