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15.11.2023

Independence Day Torch Parade in Joensuu on 6.12.2023

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 December 6th 2023. The Independence Day Torch Parade is one of our student union’s oldest and most honoured traditions.

You can participate in the 4 pm Parade as a torchbearer or without a torch. ISYY will hand out the torches and instruct the participants at the Haltia building (Yliopistokatu 7), which serves as the starting point of the Parade. Participants are asked to arrive at 3:45 pm latest. We are also serving mulled wine at the Haltia meeting room before the Parade, starting at 3 pm.

The Parade will depart at 4 pm and proceed in police escort through Joensuu centre to the memorial grounds, led by flag bearers and their heralds. After the Parade’s arrival at 4.30 pm, a ceremony will begin. Itä-Suomen yliopiston kuoro Joy (Joy-choir) will perform, a wreath will be laid on the soldiers’ grave, and Julia Lautala, Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board, will give a speech. Lastly, we will sing the Finnish National Anthem together.

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 Finland’s independence.
Participating in the Parade does not require a RSVP, and you can join the Parade along the way as well. The Parade is open to everyone, so feel free to bring friends and family with you.

General Instructions for the Participants of the Parade

• Mulled wine is served at the Haltia meeting room before the Parade, starting at 3 pm.
• The Parade will depart at 4 pm. The Finnish flag, the ISYY flag, their heralds and the Chairpersons lead the Parade. From 4 pm to 4.30 pm the Parade will walk through the Joensuu city centre in police escort.
• Please always keep the torch in an upwards position to prevent the tar from dripping and clothes from catching fire. Also remember to keep a safe distance from others.
• The Parade will arrive at the memorial grounds at 4.30 pm. The ceremony starts with a performance from Itä-Suomen yliopiston kuoro Joy (Joy-choir). Next, a wreath is laid on the soldiers’ grave, and we will hear a speech by Julia Lautala, Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board. The ceremony ends with the Finnish National Anthem everyone can sing along to.

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!

Best Wishes,
The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY)

Further information

Julia Lautala, Vice Chair and Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 44 576 8404, julia.lautala(at)isyy.fi

Anni Turpeinen, Service Planner, The Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 44 576 8430, anni.turpeinen(at)isyy.fi