Vaasa will celebrate Independence Day with a traditional programme – with family-friendly activities at City Hall

The Independence Day celebration for families will be held on Saturday 6 December 2025, from 14 to 16 at Vaasa City Hall. The event, organised over the past three years, has become a popular favourite among families in Vaasa.

The children’s celebration will feature circus performances by the group Sweet Circus at 14 and 15, as well as workshops where anyone can try out circus equipment and tricks. Guests will also have the chance to take photos against a circus-themed backdrop.

The event is open to all, free of charge, and will include a juice service. The celebration is organised by the city’s Culture and Library Services.

Independence Day programme 6 Dec 2025 in Vaasa

In Vaasa, traditional Independence Day events will be held at the war heroes’ graves, at Vaasa and Vähäkyrö churches, and at the Statue of Liberty on Vaasa Market Square.

• A ceremonial flag-raising will take place at the Heritage Wall on Kasarmintori Square at 9.
• The bilingual service organised by the City of Vaasa and the parishes will begin at 10 in Vaasa Church (Teijo Peltola and Emilia Kontunen, with Tarja Viitanen and Karolin Wargh as cantors). Organised by the Finnish and Swedish parishes in Vaasa.
• Wreath-laying will take place at the memorials in Vaasa Cemetery at 11.30.
• The service at Vähäkyrö Church will begin at 11. The event will include participation from local Scouts and reservists. Wreath-laying at the war heroes’ memorial. Coffee at the parish hall.
• The Independence Day celebration for families with children will be held from 14 to 16 at Vaasa City Hall.
• An Independence Day concert at 15 in Palosaari Church will feature patriotic songs (male vocal group Vox Luminum, conducted by Katariina Korkman; speech by Ilkka Virtanen, emeritus professor and former rector of the University of Vaasa; welcome address by chaplain Terhi Nissilä). Programme €20, free admission.
• The Finnish-language service will begin at 16.00 in Vaasa Church (Ville Suomela; sermon by Olli Seppänen; music by Sini Usmi and the Sing the Joy gospel choir). Organised by the Finnish parish in Vaasa and Finnish Lutheran Mission.
• A university students’ torchlight procession from Culture House Fanny along Raastuvankatu to the Statue of Liberty at 16.40.
• The traditional Independence Day greeting from the student unions will be held at 17.00 at the Statue of Liberty, featuring choral singing (Wasa Sångargille and Pohjan Miehet).

The Independence Day programme and up-to-date information is available online at: www.vaasa.fi/itsenaisyyspaiva.