Finland Independence Day 2026

Why Finland celebrates 6 December On 6 December 1917, the Finnish Senate declared independence from Russia following the October Revolution, which had dissolved the authority of the Russian Provisional Government.

The Finnish sauna is a social institution — there are 3.3 million saunas for 5.5 million people, used weekly.

On 6 December 1917, the Finnish Senate declared independence from Russia following the October Revolution, which had dissolved the authority of the Russian Provisional Government. The declaration was made in a country that had been a grand duchy under Russian rule since 1809 and, before that, part of Sweden for nearly 700 years.

Independence came at a turbulent moment. Within weeks of the declaration, Finland descended into a bloody civil war between the Red Guards and White Guards — a conflict that left deep wounds that took decades to heal. The Winter War of 1939-1940 against the Soviet Union and the Continuation War that followed gave Finnish independence a much harder-won character than the relatively peaceful declaration might suggest.

Finnish Independence Day is one of the most solemn national holidays in the Nordic countries. The presidential Independence Day reception — broadcast live on national television — is watched by virtually every Finn. Candles are placed in windows across the country at six in the evening as a symbol of remembrance. Blue and white are everywhere.

• 1809Finland becomes a grand duchy of Russia after Swedish rule ends
• 1917Finnish parliament declares independence on 6 December
• 1940Winter War ends — Finland retains independence despite Soviet pressure

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalHelsinki
• Time zoneEET (UTC+2)

• Currency: euro
• Language: Finnish, Swedish
• Driving: on the right
• Capital: Helsinki
• Phone: +358
• Emergency: 112
• Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/F