Students of the Capital Region celebrate the independence of hundred-year-old Finland in the Students’ Independence Day Procession on 6 December 2017.
This year, the student unions of universities of applied sciences join the student unions of universities to celebrate Independence Day. Besides the traditional torches, thousands of blue and white lights will illuminate the Independence Day Procession and the public celebration at the Senate Square. The event is organised by the student unions of the Capital Region: Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), Aalto University Student Union (AYY), University of the Arts Student Union (ArtSU), Student Union of Hanken School of Economics (SHS), Kadettitoverikunta, Student Union of Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (Metka) and Haaga-Helia’s Student Union (Helga).
The event is a part of the programme of the centenary of Finland’s independence, and to celebrate the centenary, the theme of the procession is ‘Together’. At the same time, the Student Union of the University of Helsinki highlights the importance of students’ communality at the eve of HYY’s 150th anniversary, celebrated next year.
In the spirit of the centenary of independence
What makes this year’s procession special is the fact that student unions of universities of applied sciences, Metka and Helga, are taking part in the procession for the first time. With a new name, the Students’ Independence Day Procession, the students organising the event are conveying both this change and the fact that students wish to truly celebrate Independence Day in the spirit of the centenary of independence, not merely commemorate it.
The celebratory mood is emphasised by distributing several thousands of blue and white glow sticks for the participants to light up the procession alongside more traditional torches. The procession will be filled with joy, light and a festive atmosphere in the spirit of a communal and forward-looking student movement.
Progression of the event
The festivities begin with the placing of wreaths at Sankariristi at the Hietaniemi cemetery at 4 pm. The procession starts off from the Hietaniemi Chapel at the cemetery at around 5 pm, and its route is as follows: Hietaniemenkatu – Arkadiankatu – Pohjoisesplanadi – Presidential Palace – Mariankatu – Aleksanterinkatu – Senate Square. The President of the Republic greets the procession from the Palace balcony at 5.30 pm. A public celebration is held at the Senate Square from around 5.55 pm to 6.15 pm. The programme includes choral singing and the speeches of Mayor Jan Vapaavuori and representatives of the student unions.
The first Students’ Torchlight Procession was organised in 1951. Back then, too, the occasion began with placing wreaths at the soldiers’ graves, after which 2,000 students marched to the Senate Square to listen to speeches and choirs.
Further information and requests for interviews
Arttu Lehtinen, producer, Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY), [email protected], tel. 050 537 2831
Ruut Luukkonen
Viestintäasiantuntija / Kommunikationsspecialist / Communications Specialist
+358 50 543 9609
[email protected]
Helsingin yliopiston ylioppilaskunta (HYY)
Studentkåren vid Helsingfors universitet (HUS)
Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY)
Mannerheimintie 5 C, 2. krs, 00100 Helsinki
www.hyy.fi
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