Finland Independence Day

This day celebrates the country’s independence in 1917 from Russia. The movement for Independence started after the revolutions in Russia, caused by Russia’s hardships during World War One. After several disagreements between the non-socialists and the social democrats over who should have power in Finland, they finally made a Declaration of Independence which was adopted by the Finnish parliament two days later. It is celebrated by people decorating their windows in Finnish colours. It is traditional for families to light two candles in each window of their home in the evening in a custom dating back to 1920. There is an annual military parade, and a torch cavalcade by students, and in the evening there is the Presidential Independence Day reception.