26.10.2026

Independence Day Torch Parade in Kuopio on 6.12.2026

The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY) once again has the honour of inviting our student members to celebrate Finland’s independence at our annual Torch Parade on 6 December 2026. The Independence Day Torch Parade is one of our student union’s oldest and most honoured traditions.

You can participate in the 6 pm Parade as a torchbearer or without a torch. ISYY will hand out the torches and instruct the participants at the Sotku (Suokatu 42), which serves as the starting point of the Parade. Participants are asked to arrive at 5.30 pm latest.

The Torch Parade will depart at 6 pm led by the flag bearers and their heralds, proceed to lay a wreath on the soldiers’ grave at Sankaripuisto, and finally arrive at the town square. UEF Kuopion ylioppilaskuoro (choir) will perform at the City Hall and the Chair of the Kuopio Campus Board, Lassi Valli, will give a speech. Lastly, we will sing the Finnish National Anthem together.

After the Torch Parade there will be mulled wine served at Apteekkari. Participants will get the mulled wine -tickets to Apteekkari at the City Hall after the Parade

The Parades are not political events or manifestations. The remembrance of the sacrifices made in the Finnish wars during the Second World War is very present during the Finnish Independence Day celebration. With the Parades we honour these sacrifices and celebrate the independence in Finland.

General Instructions for the Participants of the Parade:

• The Parade will depart at 6 pm and head towards the City Hall. The Finnish flag, the ISYY flag, their heralds and the Chairpersons lead the Parade.
• Please always keep the torch in an upwards position to prevent the lamp oil from dripping and clothes from catching fire. Also remember to keep a safe distance from others.
• As the Parade reaches Sankaripuisto, the flag bearers, heralds and the Chairpersons enter the cemetery. The remaining Parade will stay put facing the Finnish flag. After the wreath has been laid on the soldiers’ grave, the flag bearers will return to the Parade and we will have a one-minute silence. The participants may respect the moment by taking off their hats as well.
• After this, the Parade continues to the City Hall. The flag bearers, the heralds and the Chairpersons will rise on the steps of the City Hall while the rest of the Parade stays facing the City Hall. UEF Kuopion ylioppilaskuoro (choir) will perform at the City Hall and the Chair of the Kuopio Campus Board, Lassi Valli, will give a speech. Lastly, we will sing the Finnish National Anthem together. After this, the Parade will go around the City Hall where the torches will be returned to ISYY’s Executive Board members.
• After the Parade we will enjoy some warm mulled wine at Apteekkari. The participants will get their mulled wine -tickets after the Parade. 

ISYY welcomes you to join us in creating an Independence Day with a student outlook. Do wear warm, neat and preferably dark clothes, and please leave your student overalls home this time!

Do you want to help with organising the parade?

We are looking for student volunteers to serve as traffic controllers along the parade route. According to the requirements of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, the traffic controllers must be adults who have normal sensory abilities, a driving licence (at least AM121 or B), and hold the Road Safety 1 qualification. The Road Safety 1 qualification can be completed for free through the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) learning platform, and the online course takes about an hour. All necessary equipment for the traffic control task, as well as an event-specific briefing  and the amazing Volunteer-Hemmo-overall badge, will be provided at the latest on the day of the parade. Sign up by emailing ISYY’s Community Coordinator Eveliina Scharin on Sunday 22 November 2026 at the latest.

Contact persons:

Lassi Valli, Chair of the Kuopio Campus Board, Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY), vpj(at)isyy.fi

Eveliina Scharin, Community Coordinator, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, yk(at)isyy.fi, tel. +358 44 576 8408

Piritta Pennanen, Member of the Executive Board, Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY), piritta.pennanen(at)isyy.fi