December 6th
Finnish academic youth from the Metropolitan region have celebrated together the Finnish Independence Day since 1951, the year when Marshal of Finland C.G.E. Mannerheim died. The route still follows his funeral cortege route in opposite order, starting from the Hietaniemi cemetary and ending at the Senate square.
Academic youth lay commemorative wreaths at the War Memorial and then participate in a procession following their respective student organization flags with torches in their hands. Students wear their white Finnish student caps for this solemn celebration.
At the Senate square the program consists of speeches and choir music, and ends with Finnish national anthem sung together.
The program at the War Memorial starts at 4 PM, and the procession at ca. 5 PM, arriving to the Senate square ca. 5.45 PM. Townspeople are welcome to join the students at the Senate square.
