Independence Day is celebrated traditionally on Riihimäki

In Riihimäki, Independence Day will be celebrated on Friday, December 6, 2024 in the traditional way. Independence Day celebrations begin at 11 a.m. with the Divine Liturgy at Riihimäki Central Church (Hämeenkatu 5).

The wreath laying ceremony for the hero's grave is scheduled for 12 o'clock (Puistikko 4). Miia Nahkuri, the chairwoman of the Riihimäki city council, will give a speech on the occasion. Riihimäki Church Choir is responsible for the music. The wreath laying ceremony is organized by the Hattula-Riihimäki garrison, the city of Riihimäki and the parish of Riihimäki, as well as national defense organizations.

The independence celebration organized by the city of Riihimäki will be held at 13 p.m. in Kirkkopuisto parish home (Kirkkopolku 2). Before the party, coffee is served from 12 o'clock. Anna-Riitta Kujala, the vitality director of the city of Riihimäki, will give the celebratory speech. The program will include greetings and music performances by the students of Riihimäki Music College. Actress Maija Siljander also brings memories from the front to the party.

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.

"In this way, residents of nursing homes who cannot attend themselves can follow the party program," says cultural producer Anita Aronen.

The evening of Independence Day also includes the traditional scout torchlight procession. The festive procession starts from Granit Square at 17.00 o'clock and ends at the Heroes' Tomb.

The third graders have an independence party at the Sports Hall

On the eve of Independence Day on December 5, all third graders in the city get to celebrate at the independence party organized for them at Urheiluhalli, the Sports Hall. 300 children and their teachers have been invited to the event. The party is part of Riihimäki elementary schools' Culture Path.

"At the beginning of the party, Mayor Jouni Eho shakes hands and welcomes all the children. The program also includes a speech by young people. The celebration will be closed by the children's music orchestra Orffit", says cultural producer Minttu Seppo.