Independence Day is celebrated traditionally on Riihimäki

Independence Day will be celebrated in Riihimäki on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in a traditional way. The Independence Day celebrations will begin at 11 a.m. with a worship service at Riihimäki Central Church (Hämeenkatu 5).

The wreath-laying ceremony at the war grave will take place at 12 am (Puistikko 4). The speech will be given by Lieutenant Colonel Kai Känä, Director of the Electronic Warfare Center of the Armoured Brigade. The music will be provided by the Riihimäki Church Choir. The wreath-laying ceremony is organized in cooperation with the Hattula-Riihimäki Garrison, the City of Riihimäki and the Riihimäki Parish, as well as national defense organizations.

The Independence Day celebration of the city of Riihimäki will be held at 13 pm at the Kirkkopuisto parish house (Kirkkopolku 2). Before the celebration, coffee will be served starting at 12 am. The speech will be given by Kaarina Ruohola, chairwoman of the Riihimäen Seudun Maanpuolustusnaiset ry. The program also includes greetings and folk dance and music performances.

All Independence Day celebrations are open to the public.

The live broadcast of the independence celebration can be viewed on Riihimäki's cultural and event services YouTube channel @KulttuuripalvelutRiihimaki.

"This way, residents of nursing homes and residents who cannot make it there themselves can follow the festival program," says cultural producer Anita Aronen.

The evening of Independence Day also includes a traditional torchlight procession by scouts. The festive procession leaves from Granitin aukio (Granit Square) at 17 pm and ends at the war grave.

Third graders have their own independence celebration

On Wednesday of Independence Day week, all of the city's approximately 300 third-graders and their teachers will be able to celebrate Independence Day at an Independence Day party organized for them. Two parties with the same content will be held at Riihimäki Theatre so that everyone can experience the celebration.

Mayor Jouni Eho shakes hands and welcomes all the children.

"The festival will feature the performance Sirkukseen!, which is a multidisciplinary, participatory and immersive performance combining circus and music based on Kirsi Kunnas' book. The work features circus artist Simon Llewellyn and musician Silja Palomäki," says cultural producer Anita Aronen.

The third-graders' independence celebration is part of the Riihimäki elementary schools' Cultural Path.